Winter in Illinois can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing, accompanied by snow and ice. For Illinois drivers, preparing your vehicle for these conditions is crucial for optimizing safety. At Integrity Auto Care, we provide expert winter auto maintenance in the greater South Beloit area. Here are five important winter auto maintenance tasks.

Check and Refill Antifreeze

Antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing in cold weather, which is especially important in Illinois where temperatures can drop significantly. When your engine is cold, check your antifreeze level to ensure it’s got enough. If it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, it’s a good idea to flush and replace it.

Inspect Your Battery

Cold weather can put a serious strain on your car battery. Have your battery tested to check its capacity and make sure the terminals are clean and corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, it may be worth replacing it to avoid a mid-winter breakdown.

Consider Switching to Winter Tires

Illinois winters often come with snow and ice, making roads slippery and increasing stopping distances. Winter tires are designed with special tread patterns and rubber compounds that provide better traction in low temperatures and snowy conditions. Consider switching to a set of winter tires or at least ensuring your all-season tires have adequate tread depth. Proper tire inflation is also essential since tire pressure can drop with colder temperatures.

Brake Inspection

While healthy brakes are important year-round, they’re especially crucial in slippery winter conditions. Have your brakes inspected so that any issues can be addressed before they become a major safety hazard.

Check the Heater and Defroster

A functional heater and defroster are essential for comfortable and safe driving in Illinois winters. The heater not only keeps you warm, but also helps defrost the windshield, improving visibility. Run your heater and defroster before the coldest days hit to ensure they’re working properly. If you notice issues, like weak airflow or lack of warm air, have the system inspected and serviced as necessary. Also, for optimal visibility, make sure your windshield wipers are in great shape and that you have plenty of winter-grade wiper fluid.

Winter Auto Maintenance in South Beloit, IL

When you need auto maintenance in South Beloit and the surrounding area, contact Integrity Auto Care at (815) 957-4159. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!