Auto Maintenance Tips for Winter
Winter is a yearly occurrence in Ontario, and one which drivers know to brace themselves for. However, you may not consider that there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your Lexus continues to operate optimally in the less-than-ideal driving conditions we experience in the winter. Join the service experts here at Lexus Downtown as we take a look at a few things you can do to make your winter driving experience as easy as possible.
Invest in Winter Tires
One of the most important things you should consider for the winter is a proper set of winter tires for your Lexus. Winter tires are specifically designed to excel in colder temperatures, not just improving your traction, but also pushing snow away from you thanks to the tread design. Not only does this make driving better in the winter, it preserves your all-season or summer tires! Cold temperatures cause additional stress on them, due to the type of rubber they’re manufactured with, so swapping them out can improve their lifespan.
Maintain Tire Pressure
Not only should you swap to winter tires, you should regularly check your tire pressure. Fluctuations in temperatures can cause tires to lose pressure, and that can affect your traction and the quality of your drive. Don’t be afraid to regularly top up the air. If you aren’t sure how much to add, your Lexus owner’s manual will have that information, and it will also be printed on the driver’s side door jamb. Alternatively, our Lexus certified service team would be happy to help you out.
Install Winter Wipers
Your regular windshield wipers are adequate for the winter, but a set of dedicated winter wipers may improve visibility during a winter drive. These are heavier wipers with a special rubber, designed to better push away snow and avoid freezing. As they are a bit heavier, it’s advised you switch them out again in the spring to avoid undue wear on the wiper motors.
Top Up Your Washer Fluid
A snowstorm or a slushy drive can quickly cause a mess on your windshield. Most drivers go through quite a lot of windshield washer fluid in the winter, and you want to make sure you always have it when you need it. Make sure to regularly top it up so you’re never in a situation where you need it and don’t have any. Also, make sure you’re using a winter formula, so you don’t accidentally make the situation worse with something that quickly ices over.
Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full
A problem many people don’t consider in the winter is their gas line. Condensation in the line can freeze, choking, or even damaging the fuel line. The good news is that this is easy to prevent, simply by making sure to keep your fuel topped up as much as possible. This may mean more regular stops at the gas station, but you should try to keep your Lexus at a half-tank of fuel at all times to prevent freezing.
Winterize Your Vehicle with Lexus Downtown
A little preventative maintenance can help ensure your Lexus remains the luxurious ride you deserve all through the Canadian winter. This includes a service appointment to make sure everything is working properly, get everything fully winterized, and perhaps even swap those winter tires for you. Book a service appointment today and the certified service experts here at Lexus Downtown in Toronto, ON will see you as soon as possible.