Cold, wet conditions for Newcastle this winter Newcastle’s winter can deliver cold temps, lots of rain and a challenging commute. pressurebine112 / Getty Images/iStockphoto At its first flake, so many people freak out but all that human panic does is exhaust you and chip up your floor while you frantically start Googling how to put on snow chains and if that 4 liter of Riesling from 1997 is still good and whether you can eat the Christmas cookies you put in the garage to stop you from eating them at 4 in the morning when you open up the garage for a hit of that Cheerios box smell. If you’re a Toyota owner, keeping up to date with routine maintenance can mean everything for your vehicle safety and optimal performance. That’s what makes it so important to get your vehicle ready for the season with a full Toyota service in Newcastle.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
There are many parts of your vehicle that respond poorly to cold conditions, including engine, battery, tires, and windshield wipers. “Little problems become big problems when it’s really cold out,” he said. By taking care of maintenance now as the season transitions you can help prevent breakdowns, provide better traction and maintain visibility in less than ideal conditions.
A prepared vehicle is one that doesn’t only protect your life but it also helps enhance the longevity of your Toyota. The winter conditions in Newcastle may not be as brutal as in other areas of the country, but they are challenging enough to justify a dedicated service check.
Battery Health Check
Dead Battery The single most frequent failure in the winter, the battery is the life force of the vehicle. Batteries lose storage capacity with cold, and if yours is marginal it may not last through the season. During Toyota service in Newcastle, our experienced technicians will also inspect your battery for charge, clean the terminals and ensure the connections are made. And if a new one is in order, they’ll suggest breaking things up before you’re left shivering through the morning commute.
Tire Inspection and Pressure
Your tires are the ONLY part of the vehicle that touches the ground and you should be proactive about safety and have your tires checked regularly and replaced when they get worn out. Tires that are ready for the winter with the right tread depth enhance traction and shorten stopping distances on slippery roads. It’s also worth noting tire pressure drops as the temperature decreases, which can have an impact on handling and fuel efficiency.
Get your tires checked and filled to the correct pressure at your Newcastle Toyota service appointment, and feel confident through every winter mile.
Brake System Evaluation
Your brakes will need to be up to par, especially during the winter when driving conditions are wet and possibly icy. Some warning sounds to listen for would be a squeaking sound, a vibrating response when you press the brake pedal down, or a squishy brake pedal action.
As part of a winter maintenance check, mechanics will inspect brake pads, rotors and fluid levels. While winter isn’t quite here yet, it is important to replace those old parts before a critical situation arises.
Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
In winter, visibility is also the major issue. Exhausted wiper blades can smear the windshield, or not clear it as they should, and low, or the wrong type of washer fluid can freeze in the system, causing clogs. Your vehicle can undergo this kind of Toyota service at Newcastle and you should focus on whether you wipers are good and if your car is filled up with washer fluid save for extreme winter conditions, when the fluid can easily ice over on really cold days.
Engine Oil and Coolant Check
Cold weather can also impact engine performance, and the right oil for winter can give your engine the boost it needs. Coolant levels and the mix also need to be winter proportions to avoid both freezing and overheating.
Every seasonal toyota servicing that is performed in the winter months, you should check the viscosity of your oil and make sure that your coolant system is adequately protected against cold.
Lights and Heating Systems
With longer nights and more nighttime driving, your headlights, taillights and fog lights need to be working perfectly. Heating and defrost equipment shall also be inspected to provide passenger comfort and visibility through all windows.
Conclusion
Winterizing your automobile is not only for your comfort and convenience, it is also for your safety and vehicle reliability, and not having to pay for costly repairs. A thorough Toyota Newcastle service before winter sets in will have your car delivering its best performance, keeping you secure on the roads and running through the winter with no nasty surprises in store. Don’t wait until a disaster to remind you – prepare now and prepare your Toyota for winter.