Alberta’s weather can be unpredictable, with harsh winters, hot summers, and everything in between. To keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently throughout the year, seasonal maintenance is essential. At Auto Avenue, we want to help you prepare for Alberta’s ever-changing conditions with expert vehicle care tips. If you’re navigating icy roads in winter or handling the summer heat, here’s how to get your car ready for each season.
Winter: Stay Safe on Icy Roads
Winter in Alberta brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, making vehicle preparation crucial for safety and performance.
- Install Winter Tires: All-season tires lose grip in extreme cold, so switching to winter tires improves traction on snow and ice.
- Check Your Battery: Cold temperatures can drain your battery faster. Have it tested to ensure it holds a proper charge.
- Use Winter Windshield Washer Fluid: Choose a fluid rated for -40°C or colder to prevent freezing.
- Keep an Emergency Kit: Include items like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, shovel, and extra windshield washer fluid in case of unexpected roadside situations.
- Test Your Heating & Defrosting Systems: Ensuring your heater and defroster work properly will help keep you warm and maintain visibility on frosty mornings.
Spring: Time for a Post-Winter Check-Up
As the snow melts, it’s time to inspect your vehicle for any winter damage and prepare for spring driving conditions.
- Switch Back to All-Season or Summer Tires: Once temperatures stay consistently above 7°C, winter tires wear out quickly, so switching to all-season tires improves performance.
- Inspect Brakes & Suspension: Potholes and icy conditions can take a toll on your brake pads, shocks, and struts, so a post-winter inspection is a good idea.
- Wash Your Car & Check for Rust: Road salt can cause corrosion, so a thorough wash and wax will help protect your vehicle’s exterior.
- Refill Fluids: Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid to keep everything running smoothly.
Summer: Beat the Heat
With rising temperatures and road trips on the horizon, your car needs to be ready for long-distance drives and summer heat.
- Check Your Air Conditioning: Test your A/C system before the heatwave arrives to ensure cool, comfortable drives.
- Monitor Tire Pressure: Hot temperatures can increase tire pressure, leading to blowouts. Keep them properly inflated.
- Top Up Coolant Levels: Prevent engine overheating by ensuring your radiator and coolant system are in good condition.
- Keep Your Car Clean: Summer dust and road debris can affect your car’s paint and air filters, so regular cleaning helps maintain its condition.
Fall: Get Ready for Cooler Weather
As temperatures drop, fall is the perfect time for vehicle maintenance before winter returns.
- Inspect Your Battery Again: Cold weather is around the corner, so ensure your battery is still strong after summer’s heat.
- Check Your Wiper Blades: Fall rain and early snowfall mean clear visibility is a must. If your wipers are streaking, it’s time to replace them.
- Test Your Heater & Defroster: You don’t want to wait until the first frost to discover your heater isn’t working.
- Book a Pre-Winter Inspection: Fall is the best time to schedule maintenance to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions.
Auto Avenue is Here to Help
If you’re looking to upgrade to a more winter-ready or fuel-efficient vehicle, explore our wide selection of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs that can handle Alberta’s toughest conditions.
Visit Auto Avenue at 1739 51 St SE, Calgary, or browse our inventory online. For expert vehicle advice or to book an appointment, contact us at Auto Avenue or call (403) 477-7432.