Prep Your Car for Minnesota Winter
Prep Your Car for the Minnesota Winter
Make Your Service Appointment at Coon Rapids CDJR!
If you’re local to the Minneapolis area, then you know just how cold it can get during the winter months! Winter in the northern part of the midwest is unique because the close proximity to the Great Lakes can cause extreme wind chill, as well as a whole lot of snow! If you’re living in or around Minneapolis, you need to learn how to make the most of the winter while also staying safe on the road. Driving in winter presents certain challenges, because you have to compensate for factors like poor visibility, slippery pavement, and increased traffic. However, there are many ways to set yourself up for success this winter with just a few simple steps! Keep reading down below to learn how to prep your car for the Minnesota winter!
Get the Right Tires
One of the most effective ways to get your car ready for winter is to make sure you have the proper tires! There are a few different tire options that are suitable for winter, and it all depends on your driving habits. If you’re expecting heavy snow, lots of ice, and potentially even some off-roading or dirt roads, you’ll want the most robust option, snow tires. These have the widest and deepest treads for maximum traction. On the other hand, if you’re expecting lighter snow, and will probably be sticking to highways or other well-plowed areas, all-weather tires might be the option for you! These are slightly less robust than snow tires, but still give you some extra traction for slippery roads. Plus, you can leave them on all year long!
Ensure Good Visibility
During winter, having good visibility becomes especially important. Snow, ice, and frost can build up on your windshield, and might take some extra effort to remove. Plus, the salt on the roads can create a chalky residue on your windshield that can get streaky and impede your view. For this reason, it’s important to check in on your windshield wipers before winter hits. Make sure they’re in good condition, and effectively clear your windshield without leaving streaks. If they’re looking worn, consider swapping them out for a new set before winter. You should also be sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid with anti-freeze, so that you can melt ice and snow and keep it from covering your windshield.
Carry Some Handy Tools
If you’re going to be driving in the snow, it’s important to make sure that your car is cleaned off before you hit the road. You should make sure to keep the necessary tools on hand so that you can clean off your car while on-the-go. Keep an ice scraper with a snow brush in your back seat or trunk, and make sure you have some good waterproof gloves so that your hands don’t freeze. It might also come in handy to bring a small bag of salt or sand, or even a small collapsible snow shovel so that you can dig yourself out of a snowy parking spot, or give your wheels some extra traction on a slippery surface. If all else fails, you can also wedge a piece of cardboard under your tires to add traction, and you can easily keep an old cardboard box in your trunk for emergencies.
Keep Up with Maintenance
The winter months can be a busy time, with many people heading off on trips to visit family, doing lots of shopping, or running errands so that they can host a holiday get-together. With all this excitement, it can be hard to remember to keep up with your car’s regular maintenance. Even though it might be tempting, be sure not to skip things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. When the weather gets bad, the last thing you want is for your car to break down, and these simple services will keep it in its best possible condition. You should also be sure to get your car washed on a regular basis, so that you can rinse off excess salt buildup. If left untreated, the road salt can erode your vehicle, and cause rust spots, or wear and tear to your undercarriage. A few trips to the car wash will keep you in great shape through the winter!
Schedule Your Service Appointment at Coon Rapids CDJR!
If you want to make sure your car is ready to take on the harsh Minnesota winter, don’t wait to schedule your service appointment! Our service center here at Coon Rapids CDJR can help you out with all of the service you need, from routine maintenance, to parts and accessories, and more. We can set you up with services like oil changes and tire rotations, and we can also provide snow tires, new wiper blades, and any other parts you might need. If you’re in the market for a new car this winter, be sure to check out our extensive selection of both new and used vehicles, either online or in person! We’ll be more than happy to schedule a test drive of your favorite models, or answer any questions you might have. From all of us here at Coon Rapids CDJR, we look forward to working with you soon!