Our winters aren't brutal, but the first cold, wet week in November finds every weak battery and bald tire in Salem. Here's what we check, in the order it tends to matter.
1. Battery
A battery that starts the car fine in September can fail on the first 30-degree morning. Cold cuts a battery's available power while a cold engine needs more of it. We test state of charge, health and cold-cranking amps on every 26-point inspection. If health is below about 70 percent, replace it before winter, not after the tow.
2. Tires
Tread depth matters more in rain than in snow around here. Below 4/32" a tire starts to hydroplane at highway speed on I-5. Check pressure too: it drops about one psi for every ten degrees, so tires set in August are low by November.
3. Wipers and washer fluid
Wiper blades last about a year. If they streak or chatter, replace them. Top up with washer fluid rated for freezing, not plain water, which can freeze in the lines on a Silverton Road morning.
4. Coolant
Antifreeze does two jobs: it keeps the engine from overheating in July and from freezing in January. We test its freeze point and condition. Old coolant turns acidic and eats water pumps and radiators from the inside.
5. Lights and heater
Short days mean more time with the lights on. We check every bulb on the inspection. If your defroster is weak or the heater takes forever, say so when you drop off. It's often a low coolant level or a sticking thermostat, and it's cheaper to catch early.
The easy way
All of this is on our seasonal Winter Readiness Check. Book it with an oil change and it's one visit.