Winter Car Maintenance and Tire Change: They Should Go Hand in Hand

Car maintenance is an essential part of car ownership, but in reality, car repairs are often only done when there is no other option. However, regular car maintenance ensures the longevity of the vehicle, and if it's been a long time since the last service, it is definitely worth doing it now, before the winter season.

In the autumn, it is a good idea to do maintenance at the same time as the tire change. What are the issues to pay attention to before winter, and what should you know about tire changes?

Winter Tires, Fluids, and Heating System Are Only Part of the Big Picture

Tire changes are part of the autumn and winter season, and most car owners know that it’s not something to delay. However, buying winter tires and booking a time for tire change is often left to the last minute. What exactly can be gained by this is unclear, at least to car experts, as tire warehouses usually have the best selection before the season begins, and the driver does not have to worry about finding an available time for tire change.

During the tire change, it is also worth having your old tires checked to see how worn they are and whether you need to buy new ones before the next summer season or if you can get through another season with them. In addition to the tires, it's also a good idea to check the car's fluids before winter—engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid all play a crucial role in winter. During maintenance, you can pre-fill the windshield washer fluid with winter fluid and ensure that the existing engine oil has not reached the end of its life.

Another Very Good Reason to Perform Maintenance Before Winter

If the previous tasks can be done to a greater or lesser extent by yourself, tasks like checking the brakes and suspension, which also should be done before winter, are better left to professionals.

Brake pads and discs are the main components of the car’s braking system, and while brake discs usually last a long time and require replacement rarely, brake pads wear out faster. People often don’t even notice that their car’s brake pads have worn out—they just assume the brake pedal behaves differently. During winter maintenance, the brakes can be quickly inspected, and worn pads can be replaced, so the driver can head into winter with confidence.

The same goes for the car’s suspension. Generally, it is difficult to check suspension components such as bushings, tie rods, and axles yourself. At a repair shop, this can be done quickly, and a worn part found and replaced in time can save you from a more significant problem six months or a year later, where the repair usually becomes considerably more expensive. For this reason, it is worth checking the suspension at least once a year, and the best time for this is during a tire change. For example, this might also be a good time to perform a wheel alignment.

The last but certainly not least important element to check before winter is the car’s lighting. In addition to the cold, winter is also a dark season, so good lighting is crucial to ensuring your safety. During maintenance, you can assess the effectiveness of the lights and, if necessary, replace a burnt-out bulb or restore the quality of the headlights. Once again, this is one less thing to worry about when driving in dark and icy conditions in the winter.

Book a suitable time for winter car maintenance and tire change at your nearest Rehvid Pluss service center here! 

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