February Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Welcome to another wintry month here in Northeast Ohio! While we’ve seen temperatures go up and down this season, they’re still well below freezing in many parts of the state, making it important that you maintain your vehicle for all weather conditions.

According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety , between December 2024 - March 2025, there were 15,647 crashes on snow, ice, or slush-covered roads. This is the highest total of crashes in five years!

Keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe - ensure that your vehicle is running at its very best by giving it some love this month! Check out our recommended February Vehicle Maintenance Tips:

• Engine Oil - Checking and changing your oil regularly is important to the health of your vehicle throughout the year, but is even more important as temps drop during winter months.

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend having your oil and filter changed every 6 months or 5000 miles driven – whichever comes first.

• Coolant - Checking and topping off your coolant regularly is important to the health of your vehicle year-round, but especially in cold weather.

If you haven’t yet, ask your technician to check coolant during this time of year. Also be sure to check your owner’s manual; coolant change may be recommended every 30,000 to 50 000 miles of driving.

• Brakes - Winter conditions can be harsh on your brakes, especially when you’re trying to stop on snow and ice. Have them inspected to keep you - and others - as safe as possible on the road.

If you’re hearing grinding, squealing noises and vibration - these are all signs your brakes may need attention. Have your technician check that the pads, rotors and calipers are all in good shape.

• Battery - Cold weather is hard on vehicle batteries. To prevent issues or surprises when you go to start your vehicle, have your battery tested by your trusted mechanic to make sure that it’s holding a charge.

A weak battery often gives no warning before it fails to start your car, so having one you can count on is vital.

• Tires - If the tire pressure isn’t right or the tread depth is too low, they will be unsafe for driving in harsh winter conditions. Regularly check pressure (especially during drops in temperature), inspect tread for wear, and consider winter tires for better grip.

The Penny Test is a great way to check your tire tread at home! If it’s too low make sure you give your vehicle technician a call to order some new tires and keep yourself (and others) safe on the road.

• Washer Fluid - Checking that you have enough washer fluid is important no matter the time of year, but especially during inclement weather. Make sure your reservoir is topped off with product rated for cold temperatures.

Keep an extra jug of fluid in the trunk in case you get caught in a snow storm and go through fluid quicker than normal.

Additional Tips :

• Emergency Kit - Plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for an emergency! We recommend your kit to include: jumper cables, snow scraper and shovel, flashlight, first aid kit, phone charger, blanket, water and snacks, and flares.

• Wash & Protect - Keep your vehicle free from salt to help prevent rust.

• Drive According to the Conditions - Drive slower than normal when the road is anything other than dry pavement. During poor weather, leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you, giving you extra time to stop if needed.

While winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle, the most important thing is to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe. Ensuring you’re staying up to date with regular routine inspections and giving your vehicle a little extra LOVE during this month will allow you to feel confident in your ability to do so.

If you’d like support during this process of getting - and keeping - your vehicle winter-ready, please reach out to us at Olson Auto Repairs!

< Older Post

Newer Post >