Sep 8, 2016

prepare your toyota for cold weather

With the cooler weather approaching, you know you’ll rely on your car’s heater to stay comfortable driving throughout the cold months. Schedule a service appointment to prepare your vehicle’s heater for the winter to adequately protect your car before the first frost. Here are five reasons you should get your vehicle’s heating system serviced as part of your late fall routine.

Ensure Your System Works Efficiently

Cooling and heating systems work together to manage the temperature in your car. When your cooling system fails to work, you may experience failure in your heating system. If you already know that your vehicle’s HVAC system needs repair, make it a priority to get it fixed. However, it can be difficult to know if there’s a leak or some other clog within the system. Service professionals can identify any inefficiencies that may impact performance.

Preserve the Life of Your Car

Well-maintained cars last longer and perform better than poorly maintained ones. Preparing your vehicle’s heating system for winter should be a part of your yearly maintenance routine. After all, snow and ice can easily damage engine components and exterior paint. Without proper maintenance, your vehicle won’t last as long as it should.

Prevent Small Issues From Becoming Large Ones

Typically, you won’t know if there’s a small, easily correctable issue with your heating system. As long as your car heater works, there isn’t a reason to suspect that something’s wrong. When you regularly prepare your vehicle’s heating system for the winter, the service professional will inspect the system to make sure everything’s working properly. They may be able to prevent a large issue from arising, such as the heating system breaking, simply by catching it early.

Replenish Antifreeze

In the winter, you need antifreeze to keep your car running, especially with harsh winter conditions such as snow. If you leave your car outside overnight during a snowstorm, like most car owners do, your car relies on the antifreeze more than usual. During your service appointment, the service professional will check your antifreeze level and replenish it to manufacturer standards. This way you will not be left without antifreeze when you need it most.

Save Money Over the Long Term

When you take care of your vehicle, it lasts longer. Regular maintenance is more cost-effective than replacing a transmission or other large repair. This is why it makes sense to invest money in preventive maintenance over costly and unexpected repairs. Protecting your car with regular maintenance is well worth the consideration. Schedule oil change appointments periodically and replace your air filters. Have your vehicle inspected by an automotive professional before and after the winter just to be sure.

If you live in a state that experiences snowfall, make sure to schedule a service appointment at your automotive dealership to prepare your vehicle’s heater for the cold weather. You’ll save money and extend the life of your car. You don’t want to be left driving your car this winter without heat.

Image via Flickr by Janitors