Winter-Ready Car? Get a Free Health Check!
Winter-Ready Car? Get a Free Health Check!
Posted on February 21, 2025
Winter in Ontario is no joke, especially when back-to-back snowstorms make roads treacherous and put extra strain on your vehicle. Freezing temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snowfall can impact your car's performance, safety, and longevity. To keep your vehicle running smoothly all season long, it's essential to stay on top of key winter maintenance services.
At 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we understand how challenging winter driving can be, and we want to help you prepare. Below, we’ll discuss the critical services your vehicle may need to handle Ontario’s harsh winter conditions. Plus, we’re offering a FREE Vehicle Health Check and 10% off any recommended service to ensure your car is winter-ready.
Winter Car Care: Essential Services for Ontario Drivers
With winter in full swing, your vehicle is working harder than usual. Cold weather can affect everything from your battery’s performance to your tire grip, making maintenance a top priority. Here are some of the most important services to consider this season:
1. Battery Inspection & Replacement
Cold temperatures slow down your battery’s chemical reactions, reducing its power output. A weak battery can leave you stranded, especially on freezing mornings.
Why It Matters:
- Batteries lose about 30-50% of their power in extreme cold.
- Older batteries (3+ years) may struggle to hold a charge.
- Increased use of heating, defrosters, and lights puts additional strain on the battery.
Recommended Service: Get your battery tested to ensure it holds a proper charge. If it’s weak, replacing it before a snowstorm could save you from a frustrating breakdown.
2. Winter Tire Inspection & Installation
Winter tires aren’t just a recommendation in Ontario—they’re a necessity. All-season tires harden in cold weather, reducing their ability to grip icy and snowy roads.
Why It Matters:
- Winter tires provide up to 50% better traction on snow and ice.
- They reduce braking distances, helping prevent accidents.
- Ontario insurance providers often offer discounts for vehicles equipped with winter tires.
Recommended Service: If you haven’t switched to winter tires yet, now’s the time! If you already have them installed, check for proper inflation and tread depth (at least 5/32” for optimal performance).
3. Brake System Check
Winter conditions make braking distances longer, so your brakes must be in peak condition. Slippery roads and sudden stops demand a responsive and reliable brake system.
Why It Matters:
- Moisture and road salt can lead to rust and brake corrosion.
- Worn-out brake pads reduce stopping power.
- ABS and traction control rely on a properly functioning brake system.
Recommended Service: Have your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid inspected. If your brakes are worn or slow to respond, replacements may be necessary.
4. Oil & Fluids Service
Cold temperatures thicken engine oil, making it harder for your vehicle to start and run efficiently. Plus, essential fluids like coolant and windshield washer fluid need to be winter-ready.
Why It Matters:
- Winter-grade oil flows better in freezing temperatures, protecting your engine.
- Antifreeze keeps your cooling system from freezing or overheating.
- Proper windshield washer fluid prevents visibility issues in snow and slush.
Recommended Service: Switch to a winter-grade synthetic oil, top off or replace coolant, and use a winter-formulated windshield washer fluid with de-icing properties.
5. Wiper Blade & Defroster Check
Good visibility is essential in winter, but snow, ice, and slush can make it difficult to see the road clearly. Worn-out wiper blades and a failing defroster can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Why It Matters:
- Old wipers can streak or miss spots, reducing visibility.
- A weak defroster may struggle to clear fogged or iced-up windows.
- Windshield cracks can worsen with extreme temperature changes.
Recommended Service: Replace worn wiper blades, check your defroster, and repair any windshield chips or cracks before they spread.
6. Suspension & Wheel Alignment Check
Potholes, ice, and rough winter roads can put stress on your vehicle’s suspension and alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling.
Why It Matters:
- Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side.
- Damaged suspension components reduce ride comfort and control.
- Uneven tire wear shortens tire lifespan.
Recommended Service: A professional alignment and suspension check can improve handling, extend tire life, and ensure a smooth ride.
7. Exhaust System & Heater Inspection
A well-functioning heating system is essential for comfort and safety in winter. Meanwhile, your exhaust system should be inspected to prevent carbon monoxide leaks, especially when warming up your vehicle.
Why It Matters:
- A faulty heater or defroster makes driving uncomfortable and unsafe.
- Exhaust leaks can cause dangerous fumes to enter the cabin.
- Blocked or damaged exhaust systems can reduce engine efficiency.
Recommended Service: Ensure your heating and defroster system is working properly and have your exhaust system checked for leaks.
Stay Safe This Winter – Take Advantage of Our Service Promotion!
At 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle in peak condition throughout Ontario’s harsh winter. To make winter maintenance easier and more affordable, we’re offering an exclusive service promotion:
🚗 Ask for a FREE Vehicle Health Check!
🔧 Receive 10% OFF Any Recommended Service (Up to $250)!
When you bring your vehicle in for a free health check, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect key components, ensuring your car is safe and ready for winter. If any issues are found, you’ll get 10% off the recommended services, saving you money while keeping your car in top shape.
✅ Battery & Charging System Test
✅ Brake & Tire Inspection
✅ Fluid Level & Oil Check
✅ Suspension & Alignment Review
✅ Heating & Defrost System Assessment
📅 Act Fast – Offer Ends March 31, 2025!
Winter weather is unpredictable, but your vehicle's performance doesn’t have to be. Don’t wait until you’re stuck in the cold—schedule your FREE Vehicle Health Check today and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
📍 Visit Us at 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or Book Your Appointment Online Now!
Stay safe and drive confidently this winter with expert service from 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. 🚙❄️