Vehicle Maintenance Tips For The Winter

 If you're planning on traveling this Holiday season and do something fun this winter, we understand the feeling. Before winter hits, consider following our handy winter vehicle maintenance checklist to ensure you get to your destination. Our car care tips will address a high-mileage vehicle maintenance checklist and also provide you with some winer vehicle maintenance tips in Santa Fe.
Schedule a Service Appointment

Car Care Tips For Santa Fe Winters

Before you head out, you want some car care tips for the snowy season, which lasts from October to April in New Mexico. Our winter car care tips include a basic vehicle maintenance checklist to ensure your ride provides reliable travel.

1. Test the Heating and Defrost

You don’t want to be in the middle of a long road trip without heat or be able to defrost your windows. A pre-trip heater inspection might be all that’s needed to ensure your comfort.

2. Inspect the Tires

When you drive on bad tires, you risk a blowout. At best, you will likely spend more money on fuel. Have your tires checked for tread depth and air pressure before hitting the road?

3. Inspect the Brakes

Your brakes are all that’s standing between you and a collision. Before you hit the road, it’s important to have the brake pads and rotors checked for maximum stopping power.

4. Top Off Fluids

With winter's cold temperatures around the corner, you want to know that there is enough radiator coolant in the system. Plus, you should top off the engine oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and anything else that might be low.

5. Replace Windshield Wipers

Before you get caught in a storm, you want to know you have the best windshield wipers installed on your car. Replace them if there is any sign of wear or tear.

High Mileage Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Winter

Whether you need a commercial vehicle maintenance checklist or your vehicle has just seen many miles, here are some services you should be performing.

120,000 Miles

At 120,000 miles, it’s unlikely you have any warranties on the vehicle. For this reason, you want to ensure these components get the service they need.

• Spark Plugs – As a vital part of the ignition system, it’s essential that you replace the spark plugs when the electrodes wear out or corrode.
• Coolant – This fluid doesn’t lose the ability to transfer heat, but it will break down additives over time. As the vehicle gets older, it becomes more difficult for the fluid to control corrosion and balance the pH levels.
• O2 Sensors – Considering how much fuel your vehicle has burned through by now, it makes complete sense that these sensors might be worn.
• Belt Tensioner – You might need to replace the tensioner and the belt, especially if you are noticing vibrations and jumping. While you are at it, inspect the idler pulleys too.
• A/C – A complete air conditioning inspection is in order, especially of the compressor clutch.
• Alignment – As the vehicle gets older, it might require more frequent alignments because of the worn-out suspension springs and bushings.
• Transmission Fluid – Don’t forget to change the filter at the same time.
• Fuel Filter – In addition to the transmission fluid filter, you also want to check the fuel filter.
• Brake Fluid – Over time, the brake fluid can become copper-colored, which is harder on the ABS modulator, master cylinder, and calipers.

180,000 Miles

By the time your vehicle has 180,000 miles on it, you have other issues to deal with. Preventing any wear that could kill the engine is your top priority, which is why you consider these services.

• MAF Sensor – A lot of air has moved through this sensor, allowing for contamination. Cleaning or replacing it improves performance and fuel efficiency.
• Drivetrain Seals – A leaking seal and loss of fluid can cause major problems. Thankfully, seals are cheap to replace.
• Timing Chain Tensioners – If you hear a strange noise under the hood, it might be time to replace the tensioner on your timing chain.
• Motor Mount – A worn mount allows the engine to move and creates problems with other vital systems.
• Power Steering Fluid – The anti-foaming and anti-corrosion additives in your power steering fluid break down and cause more wear to the pump.
• Headlights – After many years of UV exposure and vibration, your headlights might be ready for replacement.

250,000 Miles

If you got your vehicle this far, you have been following a vehicle preventive maintenance checklist. Now is not the time to give up. Here are some of our best car care tips for your high-mileage model.

• Catalytic Converter – Look for physical damage. However, if this part needs to be replaced, it might not be worth it at this point.
• Fuel Injector Cleaning – Over time, carbon builds up and causes a deformed fuel spray. With a quick cleaning, you regain the performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
• A/C Inspection – At this point, there could be an excessive amount of buildup on the radiator and condenser. Replace any parts that are worn.

Schedule award-winning vehicle maintenance with Capitol Ford Lincoln of Santa Fe

We have more tips for vehicle maintenance if you need them. The best way to ensure your vehicle is ready for summer is to have your vehicle serviced regularly. Let the factory-trained professionals at Capitol Ford Lincoln in Santa Fe get your vehicle winter-ready! Schedule your service appointment today.
Schedule a Service Appointment