Lexus Winter Maintenance Checklist

Winters in Canada can be harsh, especially to vehicles. As such, it helps to winterize your vehicle so that no matter what winter in Toronto, ON, throws at us, your Lexus is prepared to handle it and can keep you from sitting on the side of the road in a snowdrift waiting for a tow truck.

At Lexus Downtown, our Service Department can help you with maintenance services that can help your Lexus become winter-ready, including battery services, windshield wiper blade replacement, winter tires, and more.

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Schedule a Service Appointment Winter Maintenance Checklist

Battery

Your battery works harder when the weather is cold, which is often why vehicle batteries stop working more often in the winter. If the battery in your Lexus is between three and five years old, chances are it’s time for a new one. Our trained technicians can perform a battery service to check for signs of corrosion, wetness, as well as strength of your battery to better advise you on whether or not it’s time for a new one.

Ignition System

Check the condition of your spark plugs and ignition coil. When these components are damaged it can be more difficult for your vehicle to start, which is not something you want failing during the colder months of the year.

Tires

The cold weather can make the pressure of your tires lessen, making what might have been fine in the fall too low for the winter. It’s also a good idea to switch to your winter tires before the first snowfalls are predicted to happen, as getting in for an appointment afterwards can mean a lot of wait time. Make sure your spare tire is also in your vehicle when driving around for additional safety.

Interior/Exterior Lights

Check that all of your interior and exterior lights are working as they should, especially your headlights. You want to have them aimed correctly as well.

Braking System

If you’ve noticed any changes lately in your brakes, or if they’ve been squealing or grinding, it’s time to get your braking system serviced. With black ice around in the wintertime braking becomes that much more important.

Windshield Wipers

It’s a general rule of thumb to replace your windshield wipers every six months, so doing so before the wintertime can be a great idea. You can even get windshield wipers specifically designed for winter driving!

Engine Oil

The fluids in your vehicle, especially the engine oil, keep it running smoothly, and are much easier to replace during the warmer months. Get your oil change done if necessary before the first sign of snow, as well as your engine coolant if it’s been more than two years since its last flush.

FAQs

How can I prepare my vehicle if I plan to store it over the winter months?

If you plan to store your vehicle during the winter instead of driving it around, take the following steps: thoroughly clean it both inside and out, fill the gas tank with a fuel stabilizer, and change the engine oil and cabin air filter. Get the battery ready by either disconnecting it or connecting it to a trickle charger, keep out pests by blocking exhaust pipes with covers, and cover the entire vehicle with a breathable car cover.

How long should you warm your vehicle before driving in the winter?

Most modern vehicles are ready to go right away and therefore require no longer than a minute before you can drive. In fact, shorter warming periods are actually more advisable largely because your vehicle doesn’t require very long to be ready, but also because your vehicle actually warms itself up better while it’s being used versus from idling.

Are winter tires worth purchasing?

Winter tires provide more traction on snowy roads, which can bring added peace of mind when driving in the winter. That peace of mind makes them worth purchasing, especially if you live in an area that’s known for black ice or if you plan to drive a lot out in the cold weather.

Get Your Lexus Winter-Ready at Lexus Downtown in Toronto, ON

To get your Lexus ready for winter, come and visit our Service Department at Lexus Downtown! We’ll get your vehicle all ready for you while you sit and relax. Contact us or click here to schedule in for a service appointment today!