How to Prepare Your Toyota for the Winter Season

Winter is no joke when it comes to harsh road conditions and wear on your vehicle’s mechanical parts. By being proactive and staying on top of maintenance, you can prevent a lot of problems and potential dangers during the cold weather months. Our team at Bennett Toyota put together a list of 7 ways you should prepare your Toyota for the winter season.

Inspect Your Tires

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread isn’t worn down. That way, you’ll have the max amount of traction on the road - which is important in the slippery conditions of winter. You may also choose to replace your all-season tires with winter tires, but that depends on your personal needs and the conditions you expect to be driving in.

Check Your Battery

To avoid a jump-start in the middle of a snowstorm, we suggest getting your battery’s posts and connections checked and cleaned by one of our service professionals at Bennett Toyota. They will ensure your battery is in good shape and test its ability to hold a charge so that you avoid the consequences of having a weak battery in freezing weather.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

Make sure your windshield wiper blades are rubber-clad and in good condition for clearing snow and ice from your view of the road. We also suggest carrying an ice scraper and stocking up on freeze-resistant windshield washer fluid.

Make Sure Your Heater & Defroster Work Well

Being able to defrost your windshield and stay warm inside your Toyota is crucial, for both comfort and safety, on icy days. So, make sure your HVAC system is in good condition!

Refill or Replace Fluids

In addition to freeze-resistant wiper fluid, make sure your oil and oil filter is changed along with engine coolant, or antifreeze, so that your engine stays running smoothly and at a steady temperature. The cold weather can do a number on your Toyota’s internal parts, so keeping them well greased and cared for will prevent extra wear or problems caused by extreme temperatures.

Examine Your Belts and Hoses

Whenever you come in for a winter service, have them check the wear and tear on your vehicle’s belts and hoses because cold weather can wreak havoc on those vital parts.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Most importantly, make sure your vehicle is stocked with these supplies so that you’re prepared for an emergency situation, especially on a long road trip:

And that’s it! Following these 7 steps will ensure your Toyota survives the winter, and you stay safe on the roads.