Winter in LA might not be as harsh as many other places in the United States, but the change in season can still bring cooler temperatures. Doing some basic winter maintenance on your Mini Cooper will help keep it running smoothly all season long.
If you’re planning to take a road trip to popular destinations like Tahoe or Big Bear, preparing your Mini to deal with snow, sleet, and rough terrain is even more important. Not only can this help you avoid inconvenient breakdowns, but it will also improve your safety on rough winter roads. Here are a few of the most important tasks to add to your maintenance list.
Check Your Tires
Whether you’re dealing with snow and sleet or battling LA’s heavy winter rains, you’ll want to make sure your tires are equipped to safely handle the driving conditions. Make sure your tires have good traction by checking the tire pressure and the tread depth. Fill them to the proper levels and consider replacing them if they’re showing signs of wear.
Battery Inspection
When temperatures drop, your battery capacity is reduced. You can avoid getting stranded with a dead battery by proactively checking the battery fluid level, the charge level, and having the cables inspected for corrosion or fraying.
Hoses and Belts
Cold temperatures can also weaken your vehicle’s hoses and belts. You definitely don’t want these breaking while you’re on the road! Avoid this problem by having them inspected before winter comes and replacing anything that shows signs of wear and tear.
Examine the Brakes
In rough winter weather, braking is sometimes a challenge. Make sure you don’t make things worse with compromised brakes. It’s a great idea to have a professional inspect your brake pads and discs so they can detect any problems. If your brakes have seen better days, now is the time to take care of it.
Change the Oil
Lower temperatures will cause your engine’s oil to thicken, and this can lead to engine damage. If you’re going to spend any length of time in colder climates, you might want to consider using a thinner, less viscous motor oil. This will help it move more smoothly through your Mini’s system, ensuring that all the engine surfaces are properly lubricated. Always talk to your Mini service professional before making a change to your oil type.
Check Your Antifreeze & Engine Coolant
Not only does antifreeze protect your engine during cold weather, but it also helps reduce corrosion. Having improper antifreeze and water levels can cause expensive engine damage. Avoid this by having a professional check your levels. If they’re low, he or she can also recommend the right kind of antifreeze to add.
Check Your Wipers & Fluid
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to take a look at your windshield wipers. If the rubber blades are split, cracked, or don’t make proper contact with your windshield, you can end up having dangerous visibility issues. While you’re doing vehicle maintenance, go ahead and top off your windshield fluid so you don’t run out at an inconvenient time.
The expert technicians at The Haus can quickly prepare your Mini Cooper for winter weather and have you back on the road before you know it. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.