Winter Maintenance Tips to Ensure Peak Performance and Safety of Your Genesis Model

Safety is of the utmost importance during the winter, the stopping distance is reduced, as well as visibility. We’re committed to keeping your vehicle in great condition during the winter, as well as keeping your vehicle safe for you and your loved ones in the snowy midwestern winter. Follow these helpful tips for the winter months from Genesis of Schaumburg.

• Battery: A weak battery can fail in the cold. Make sure to test it regularly, and if it’s older than three years, consider replacing it. Don’t leave it up to chance, if you hear something off, make sure to get it in to our service department for a diagnostic check.
• Fluids: Check and top off all fluids. Use a winter-grade engine oil if recommended, ensure your antifreeze has the correct 50:50 coolant-to-water ratio, and fill your washer fluid with a formula rated for freezing temperatures.
• Belts and hoses: Cold temperatures can make belts and hoses prone to breakage. Inspect them for cracks and wear. Give us a call-it’s always better to be safe if you’re not sure.
• Change your oil: Cold weather tends to thicken oil and reduce its ability to circulate through the engine, so make sure that you keep up with your scheduled oil change. Some experts recommend using a thinner oil during the winter months, however, make sure to contact us to see if that might be the right fit for you.

Tires and visibility

• Tires: Tire pressure drops rapidly in the cold, so it’s important to note what the recommended tire pressure is for your vehicle in the cold, and make sure to check it regularly. For the winter it’s imperative that your tire tread is good, especially with the snow and ice reducing stopping distance. Consider new tires, or switching to snow tires to increase the safety of your vehicle in the snow!
• Wiper blades: Replace worn wiper blades for better visibility and make sure your washer fluid is winter-specific to prevent freezing.
• Lights: Ensure all your exterior lights are working. Shorter days and longer nights make proper lighting crucial for visibility.
• Heater and defroster: The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Your air conditioner needs to be functional as well to ensure proper defrost operation. If your windows are fogging up, make sure the fresh air button is selected.
• Brakes: Have your brake pads and discs inspected for wear, as stopping distances increase on icy roads. Talk with your service advisor on when and if your brake pads need to be replaced. The winter is supposed to be a rough one, and it may be in your best interest to replace them, even if they still have a little life left in them.

Emergency preparedness

• Emergency kit: Pack a kit with essentials like jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and some non-perishable snacks. Make sure you are educated on how to jump start your vehicle if need be as well.
• Clean up: Wash your car’s undercarriage to remove road salt, which can cause rust. Make sure to regularly go to a touchless car wash to ensure that the road salt doesn’t damage the paint or cause any rust to your vehicle!

By following these maintenance tips you’ll be in great shape for the winter months ahead. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Genesis of Schaumburg service center. Enjoy the beauty of the Midwest winter, and stay safe out there!