Preparing Your Ram for Winter: Essential Maintenance Checks

Image via Snethkamp CDJR.

Winter can cause unnecessary wear and tear on vehicle systems and components if you’re not prepared for it. Our winters in Redford, MI, are cold and snowy, but fortunately, the gray skies and low temperatures don’t have to affect your RAM. We want to give you some tips on winter RAM maintenance so you can drive with peace of mind.

Battery Testing

A healthy battery is always important, particularly in winter. Low temperatures affect a battery’s electrolyte solution by partially solidifying it. At temperatures of 32 F, you automatically have 30% less battery power than normal. In addition, cold makes starting the engine more difficult as the oil thickness. These two factors can easily kill a worn battery and leave you stuck in the snow.

A battery wears out naturally under normal conditions due to the breakdown of the chemicals inside it. Our technicians will test your battery to gauge its remaining strength. We connect it to our computerized battery tester, and this device provides a clear picture of the battery’s remaining capacity and will highlight any weaknesses. If your battery is worn, we can replace it in minutes.

Fluid Checks

Regularly checking your RAM’s fluids allows the systems that use them to work more efficiently. This is particularly true of engine oil, as low temperatures reduce its capabilities. Older oil becomes thicker and slower, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing a blocked oil filter. We’ll test your oil and can drain and replace it if necessary so it can handle the cold.

Coolant is another priority fluid since it’s a 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water. It helps control engine temperature by removing excess heat to prevent high temperatures from damaging your engine. Antifreeze in the mixture lowers the freezing point of water, so the coolant will work effectively at low temperatures.

Tire Checks

Checking your tires is essential, as the tread gradually wears down due to abrasion with the surface. A low tread level increases your braking distance and also makes gripping the surface more difficult. Surface traction is always important but becomes even more so in winter as you’ll drive over snow and ice. Our technicians will check your tires for wear or damage and replace them if they’re worn.

Snow tires aren’t usually essential for driving in winter here if you spend most time on highways or blacktop roads, as healthy all-weather tires provide sufficient grip. If you regularly drive on country roads, snow tires can make the difference. They’re made from softer rubber that remains elastic even at low temperatures, providing more traction if you need it. We can fit snow tires for you if you need them.

If you’d like to know more are winter maintenance, contact us today at Snethkamp CDJR in Redford, MI.

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