Winter driving in Winnipeg comes with its own set of challenges, and proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. However, there are several common mistakes drivers make during the winter months that can lead to unnecessary wear and tear or even costly repairs. Birchwood is here to help you avoid winter maintenance mistakes and keep your vehicle in peak condition all winter long.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Winter Tires
A common mistake drivers make is relying on all-season tires during winter. While they may work well in mild weather, all-season tires don’t provide the grip needed for icy or snowy roads in Manitoba.
How to Avoid It: Equip your car with winter tires to improve traction, safety, and handling in slippery conditions. Birchwood offers a variety of winter tire options and professional installation services.
Read more: Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires: Which Should You Choose for Winter Driving?
Read more: How to Maintain Your Winter Tires Throughout the Season
Mistake 2: Failing to Protect Against Road Salt
Road salt is essential for preventing icy roads, but it can cause rust and corrosion to your vehicle if not cleaned off. Many drivers don’t take steps to protect their car from salt damage.
How to Avoid It: To prevent damage from road salt, wash your car regularly throughout the winter, focusing on the undercarriage where salt tends to accumulate. Consider adding a protective wax coating before the season starts. Birchwood’s detailing services can help keep your vehicle protected and clean, and we offer a free car wash with every service appointment!
Read more: How to Protect Your Vehicle from Road Salt This Winter
Mistake 3: Skipping Battery Checks
Batteries lose power in cold weather, and failing to have them inspected can increase the chances of your car not starting and being stranded on a cold day.
How to Avoid It: Have your battery tested before and during winter and replace it if needed. Birchwood offers battery checks and replacements to keep your vehicle starting smoothly throughout the season!
Mistake 4: Not Plugging in Your Car
Failing to plug in your car’s block heater during extreme cold can cause the engine oil to thicken, making it harder for your engine to start and run efficiently.
How to Avoid It: Depending on your vehicle model, you should plug in your car when temperatures drop below -15°C. Use a timer to ensure the block heater warms your engine for a few hours before driving. If you’re unsure if your block heater works properly, Birchwood’s service team can inspect it for you.
Mistake 5: Not Warming Up Your Car Properly
Some drivers don’t warm up their vehicle on cold mornings, causing strain on the engine and other components.
How to Avoid It: Allow your car to idle for 2–3 minutes before driving or drive gently for the first few minutes to ensure the engine oil circulates properly. However, avoid excessive idling as it wastes fuel. Birchwood can also recommend remote start systems for added convenience.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Fluid Levels
Not using winter-grade fluids, such as antifreeze or washer fluid, can lead to freezing and poor performance.
How to Avoid It: Ensure your car is topped up with winter-ready fluids such as wiper fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil. Birchwood’s service team will check and refill your fluids during routine maintenance.
Mistake 7: Forgetting to Check Tire Pressure
Driving with underinflated tires is a common winter mistake that can reduce traction on icy roads, decrease fuel efficiency, and lead to premature tire wear.
How to Avoid It: Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate it according to your vehicle’s recommendations. Birchwood provides tire inspections and adjustments to keep your tires in top condition.
Mistake 8: Failing to Address Brake Performance
Brakes can lose effectiveness in snowy and icy conditions, but many drivers don’t get their brakes inspected before or during winter.
How to Avoid It: Have your brakes checked for wear and tear frequently throughout the season. Birchwood’s technicians can ensure your brakes are ready for winter’s challenges.
How Birchwood Can Help
At Birchwood, we’re committed to helping you avoid these common winter service mistakes. Our team of experts offers comprehensive winter maintenance services, including:
- Tire installation and inspections
- Battery and block heater checks
- Fluid top-ups and brake inspections
- Protective detailing services to guard against salt damage
- Comfortable waiting areas with snacks and coffee, or complimentary Uber rides if you prefer not to wait at the dealership
Stay Safe This Winter
By avoiding these common winter service mistakes, you’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely throughout the season. Schedule your winter maintenance appointment with Birchwood today and let us help you prepare for whatever winter throws your way!
