When temperatures begin to drop in Lakewood, most drivers focus on obvious winter prep like antifreeze, tires, or battery checks. But while those are essential, many other important maintenance tasks tend to be forgotten. Overlooking them can lead to unexpected breakdowns, poor performance, and costly repairs once the cold weather settles in.
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly ignored maintenance tasks that can quietly turn into big problems if skipped during your winter prep.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
A lot of drivers don’t think about the cabin air filter until the air starts smelling musty or the vents seem weak. In colder months, a clogged cabin air filter makes it harder for your heating and defrost systems to keep the windows clear and the cabin comfortable. The filter catches dust, pollen, leaves, and even mold spores. Over time, it restricts airflow and creates unpleasant odors, especially if it’s been exposed to moisture.
Replacing the cabin air filter is a quick, affordable task that can make a huge difference in comfort and visibility during cold, damp mornings.
Headlight and Taillight Inspection
Shorter days and longer nights mean you’ll rely on your vehicle’s lighting more than usual. But many drivers don’t notice when a headlight, brake light, or turn signal burns out until someone points it out. Dim or non-functioning lights reduce your visibility and make your vehicle less noticeable to others on the road.
As part of your winter prep, walk around your vehicle and inspect all exterior lights. If any bulbs are out or fogged over, replace them. Clean the headlight lenses too, as cloudy covers can drastically cut light output in dark or foggy conditions.
Washer Nozzle and Hose Check
You might top off your washer fluid and assume the system is good to go, but what if the nozzles are blocked or the hoses are cracked? If water can’t spray properly, your windshield will quickly become a visibility hazard on slushy, salty roads.
Washer nozzles often get clogged with dirt or frozen water, and old hoses can become brittle and crack during the first deep freeze. Make sure the system works properly by testing it before the weather turns severe.
Heater and Defroster Function Test
Many drivers don’t find out their heater isn’t working until it’s already freezing outside. HVAC issues can sneak up slowly, like weak airflow or delayed heating. If your defrosters take too long to clear the windshield or the rear defroster grid doesn’t seem to work, your view can quickly become compromised.
Check both the front and rear defrosters early in the season. If the air doesn’t feel warm or the fans don’t blow consistently, it’s worth having a technician take a closer look before the cold sets in.
Windshield Wiper Arm Pressure
Most people remember to replace old or streaky wiper blades, but the arms themselves can also be a problem. Over time, wiper arms lose tension and may not press the blade firmly against the glass. This results in uneven wiping or missed spots right when you need clear vision the most.
Inspect the arms to ensure they’re making solid contact with the windshield. If they seem loose or if the blade lifts away at highway speeds, it might be time to replace the arms or have them adjusted.
Tire Rotation and Alignment
Drivers often check tire pressure before winter, but rotation and alignment are just as important. Uneven tire wear affects how well your vehicle grips the road, especially on slick surfaces. Alignment issues can also cause your vehicle to drift, making it harder to control in snow or ice.
Rotating the tires before the season changes ensures even wear and helps your tires last longer. If your vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates at speed, a quick alignment check can prevent bigger problems during winter travel.
Battery Cable Condition
While battery testing is common before winter, not everyone checks the cables and terminals. Corrosion or frayed wires can limit power flow even if the battery itself is fine. Cold weather requires more current to start your engine, so any weak connection can lead to a no-start situation on a frosty morning.
Look for white or green buildup around the terminals and make sure the cables are tightly secured. If you see cracking in the cable insulation, it’s time for a replacement.
Prepare for Cold Weather with Tveten’s Auto Clinic in Lakewood, WA
Winter is tough on vehicles, but you can make it easier by addressing the small maintenance tasks drivers often forget. At Tveten’s Auto Clinic in Lakewood, WA, we take a thorough approach to cold-weather prep. Our team inspects all the little details that help your car run smoothly when temperatures fall (filters, wipers, hoses, and lights), along with the big things like batteries, tires, and fluids.
Schedule your seasonal service today and head into winter confident that your vehicle is ready for whatever the Pacific Northwest throws your way.
