Winter Readiness Guide, Protecting Your Import from Salt

Proper Car Servicing and Maintenance is the only way to protect your valuable import from the harsh effects of a Canadian winter. When the snow begins to fall, the roads are covered in salt and chemicals that can eat away at the undercarriage of your vehicle. These corrosive substances find their way into every small crack and can cause rust to form on brake lines and suspension components. We see many beautiful cars that suffer from premature aging because they did not receive the right winter preparation. Our team focuses on creating a barrier between your car and the elements to ensure it looks and performs perfectly all year long.

Inspecting the Battery and Charging System

Cold temperatures place a massive amount of stress on your car’s battery because the chemical reaction inside is much slower in the frost. We often find that a battery that worked fine in the summer will fail on the first morning the temperature drops below zero. During our Car Servicing and Maintenance checks, we test the cranking power and the alternator output. This ensures that your car will start reliably even when it has been sitting outside in the wind. Our team also cleans the battery terminals to prevent any corrosion from blocking the flow of electricity to your starter motor.

Protecting the Undercarriage and Brake Lines

Salt is the greatest enemy of the metal parts that live underneath your car. We recommend a thorough cleaning and the application of a protective coating to prevent moisture from reaching the bare metal. Furthermore, we inspect the rubber boots on your cv axles to make sure they are not cracked or leaking grease. If salt water gets into these joints, it will quickly destroy the metal and lead to a very noisy and expensive repair. We also check the condition of your brake lines to ensure they are not showing any signs of rust or pitting. Maintaining these parts is essential for your safety when you need to stop on a slippery road.

Tire Health and Suspension Alignment

Driving on ice requires a set of high-quality winter tires that can grip the frozen surface of the road. We check the tread depth and the air pressure of your tires to ensure you have the maximum amount of traction available. Additionally, the deep potholes that form in the winter can easily knock your suspension out of alignment. Our team performs a precision alignment to make sure your car drives straight and your tires wear evenly. If you have any concerns about your winter performance, you can Contact Us to book a seasonal inspection. We are the Best German Repair Shop when it comes to keeping your import safe and sound.

FAQ

Do I really need winter tires if I have all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive helps you move forward, but it does not help you stop or turn on the ice. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that stays flexible in the cold, providing much better grip. Our team strongly recommends a dedicated set of winter tires for all our Calgary customers.

How often should I wash my car in the winter?

You should try to wash the salt off your car at least once every two weeks. Make sure the car wash includes an undercarriage spray to get the salt out of the hard-to-reach places. This simple habit can prevent thousands of dollars in rust damage over the life of the car.

What is the most important winter service?

Testing the battery and the engine coolant are the two most important steps. If your coolant is not the right strength, it can freeze inside the engine block and cause it to crack. We make sure your fluids are ready to handle the coldest nights of the year.

Meta Description: Car Servicing and Maintenance during the winter months helps protect your vehicle from road salt, battery failure, and dangerous icy driving conditions.

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