Each winter, like contestants on a long-running TV game show, we "spin the wheel," hoping our fortune won't read "tow truck" or "big repairs." But a lot of us increase our risk of landing on the wrong slice of the wheel by neglecting to ready our vehicles for the ice, snow and numbing cold that are headed our way.
If a vehicle has a problem, winter usually exposes it. And even newer cars, which start reliably and are turning rust into a memory, need to be winterized. New-car dealerships are good places to have that done, with competitively priced packages and a large selection of new tires.
Some considerations
Enterprising souls can check and add fluids, change or add antifreeze (if applicable) and inspect belts and hoses for leaks, cracks and fraying. And since winter reveals battery problems, a road test is a good idea, especially when very cold weather can require batteries to use up to five times as much power for starting.
Your trunk should have windshield washer fluid, an inflated spare and a winter emergency kit. Wiper blades need to be checked and replaced, if necessary. And whatever you do, follow your owner's manual, unless you adhere to a more conservative maintenance schedule.
Oil changes
In an Autobytel.com article, Michael Rose recommended getting oil changes at dealerships because he says they're more motivated to use the proper oil for your vehicle. He says that oil-change chains are less likely to do that because they buy cheaper oil in bulk.
Wherever and however you get one, an oil change is cheap cold-weather insurance, even if your maintenance schedule says you can wait. New oil helps cars warm up faster and, because oil breaks down faster when engines aren't warmed up before driving, new oil also offers more protection for start-and-go drivers. People who tow extensively and motorists who sit in stop-and-go traffic should consider more frequent oil changes than may be listed in many newer vehicles' manuals.
Tires
Because of the snow and ice on our roads, tires play a critical role in winter. Worn tires are more likely to skid and underinflated tires - common in winter because we don't like to check them during cold snaps - offer less traction in snow. Underinflated tires also damage more easily, lower vehicle load ratings and cut mileage (resulting in more pollution and greenhouse gases). Because pressure drops with temperature, check tires often when it gets cold after they've been sitting.
All-season tires are so common today that most people don't need winter tires. If your vehicle does, however, put on four if you have front-wheel drive and at least two (on the rear) for rear-drive.
Let dealers do it
Qualified technicians should do most maintenance items on today's increasingly complex vehicles. This applies especially to engines, brakes and suspensions as well as heating/cooling, electrical and exhaust systems. While many dealers can prep your vehicles for winter, booking an appointment now is wise.