When it gets cold, we put on coats and hats to stay safe and warm — but what can your car do? After all, its components need protection as well. As the temperatures drop, some components of your car become less efficient and can even take damage or become unsafe. Taking the right winter precautions can keep both you and your car safe through the colder months.
Major Porsche Winter Maintenance Tasks
Tires Check
Imagine driving through a snowy mountain pass or a slick, ice-covered road. In scenarios like these, the type of tires you have on your Porsche makes all the difference between a confident, secure drive and a precarious, slippery ordeal. This is where winter tires become useful. The rubber compounds used in winter tires remain flexible in cold temperatures, providing better traction by conforming to the road’s surface more effectively than all-season or summer tires, which can become hard and less effective in cold weather.
The tread patterns on winter tires are also designed to dig into snow and expel slush, reducing the risk of snow build-up and improving grip. Just as snowshoes increase your footprint and prevent you from sinking into deep snow, winter tires increase your car’s ability to grip the road securely, preventing it from slipping and sliding as it navigates winter’s challenges.
Battery Check
Cold temperatures can be a real enemy to your car’s battery. Why? When it gets cold, your battery has to work harder to create the chemical reactions it needs to start the engine and hold a charge. This can make it hard for your battery to maintain power and can sometimes cause your car to hesitate upon starting.
Before the cold weather hits, take the time to check your battery. You can bring it to the mechanic to check its charge, but that’s not the only step you can take. You can also make sure there’s no wear and tear on the battery itself or the connecting wires, and you can make sure the connections are clean and tight, with no corrosion happening that might impede the flow of power.
Fluids Check
We all know that water freezes when it gets cold, but it’s easy to forget that the fluids that your car relies on can also be affected by severe drops in temperature. While most automotive fluids have a chemical makeup that makes them resistant to freezing, they can become thicker as it gets colder, and in some cases they can become completely solid.
One way to help your car deal with this is to switch to winter-grade fluids, which are made to be more resistant to cold weather. Ask your mechanic about which oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid hold up the best during the winter months to help keep your Porsche happy and healthy throughout the winter months.
Wiper Blades
The onslaught of snow, ice, and road salt can severely impair your visibility, transforming your windshield into a blurry mess. Upgrading to high-quality wiper blades and ensuring your reservoir of washer fluid is full (and winter-rated to prevent freezing) is important. This setup guarantees you the clearest possible view of your surroundings, allowing you to navigate the winter landscape safely and confidently, with the precision and clarity that a Porsche driver deserves.
When to Seek Professional Help
Certain winter maintenance tasks should be left to the professionals, especially those involving the vehicle’s mechanical and safety systems. A Porsche dealership or a certified mechanic with experience in high-performance vehicles can offer comprehensive winter maintenance services.
Contact Our Experts At Motor Cars International For Your Porsche Winter Checks
When you want to make sure your Porsche is ready for the cold weather, come to Motor Cars International. We’re located in Bridgewater, MA, so we’re also convenient to drivers from Easton, Norton, Raynham, and Sharon.
We want to make sure you’re able to enjoy the performance and safety you deserve while driving your Porsche in the winter. If you’re looking to make your Porsche road-worthy and embrace the winter months with confidence, bring it to us at Motor Cars International. Call us now at 508-697-5921 to book an appointment for your Porsche’s winter readiness.