It’s difficult to get far without a car, especially during the winter months when Utah temperatures regularly dip below freezing. To ensure you have the smoothest and safest drives even during cold weather, it’s important to stay on top of your car’s maintenance and give it necessary winter upgrades.

Maintaining your vehicle ensures that you and your family can stay safe and warm, while also saving you from big expenses and repairs down the line.

1. Check Your Car’s Engine

The first step is to check your car’s engine to make sure it’s in good condition. If your battery is 3+ years old, it’s time to test it to ensure it won’t die out on you. Especially since cold weather can drain your battery, you want to check that it stays in working condition.

You will also want to check the terminal to see if there’s any corrosion. Visible buildup should be cleaned, as it can lead to battery problems if left. You can also consider a battery blanket, which will keep the battery at optimum temperature even when it’s freezing.

2. Check & Update Tires

For the safest winter driving, you should check that your tires are in good enough condition to be driving in icy and snowy conditions. Winter tires are equipped with enough traction to minimize skidding or slipping on the road.

You should also check your tire pressure and the tread depth. Though you may already have winter tires, standard routine checks will be best for your car.

3. Use Correct Oil & Fluids

When it’s freezing out, you should ensure that all the oils and fluids that your car requires are well-suited for the low temperatures. Engine oil can thicken in colder climates, so your car model may require switching to a winter-grade oil for better viscosity.

You may also want to replace your regular windshield wiper fluid for a winter version to prevent freezing. Also be sure to check the levels of your antifreeze and the correct proportions of coolant.

4. Warm Up Your Car

Though we all want a nice and toasty car for our drives, be sure to warm up your car correctly. In the first few minutes of driving, give your car time to warm up properly by driving gently. Idling for too long wastes fuel and is unnecessary. If your car has a remote start, don’t let your engine run for more than 5 minutes to prevent harm and damage to your engine.

5. Protect the Exterior

Though it’s important to keep the inner workings of your car functional, it’s also a good idea to protect the exterior of your car during freezing weather. Road salt can get underneath your car and cause damage to the undercarriage. Schedule in regular car washings to minimize the effect of road salt.

To provide more protection, you can coat your car with wax or install mud flaps. Both can shield against the elements, including gravel, mud, and ice.

6. Prepare Emergency Kit

In case of an emergency, you don’t want to get stuck unprepared. Keep an emergency kit in the back of your car if you get stranded or your car gets stuck somewhere. Here are some ideas for supplies to keep on hand:

• Ice scraper & snow brush
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Warm blankets & extra clothing
• Non-perishable snacks & bottled water
• First aid kit
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• A portable phone charger

7. Keep Tank at Half-Full

Though it’s a generally smart rule to not let your gas tank get all the way to empty before refilling, you should try to keep your tank at least half-full during the winter. Having more fuel in the tank minimizes the chance of the fuel line freezing. It’s also a good idea to have enough gas ready in case of an emergency or delay when you aren’t able to fill up soon.

8. Protect Windshield & Wipers

Maintaining your windshield and wipers are not only good for visibility, but also help protect your care overall. To prevent them freezing to the glass, lift the wipers when you park. You should also replace your wipers if they are worn to ensure the clearest windows when it rains or snows. You can also purchase a windshield cover, which helps to insulate the windshield, thereby preventing ice buildup and speeding up the morning warm-up process.

Complete Car Care

At Paskett Auto, we provide high quality services for your car to keep it functioning and thriving, even during the winter. We have been helping maintain cars for Northern Utah residents for over 25 years so you can trust in our expertise that you will be able to drive safely, rain or shine. Reach out to us today to get the best winter car care!

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, you probably think about frequent oil changes and tire rotations. While these are important parts of vehicle maintenance, there is another, smaller component of your engine that is just as important. Your air filter plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and overall health, and requires frequent care to ensure your vehicle is in good health. 

At Paskett Auto, our team understands how important even the smallest components in your engine can be for a well-running vehicle. Without proper care, you may experience significant and costly damage to your car. If you want to learn more about your air filter, the important role it plays in your vehicle, and how frequently it needs to be replaced, keep reading. 

What is an Engine Air Filter? 

An engine air filter is an important part of your car, preventing dirt, dust, and other debris from entering your engine as you drive. Your air filter ensures clean air mixes with fuel as you drive, which is essential for efficient engine performance. Over time, the filter can become clogged, reducing airflow and affecting your engine’s efficiency and fuel economy. 

Replacing your air filter regularly helps you maintain optimal engine performance, prolongs your engine’s life, and improves fuel efficiency. Typically, engine air filters are made from paper, foam, or cotton, and are housed in a plastic or metal box near the engine’s air intake system.

Why Should You Replace It? 

There are several reasons why you need to replace your air filter, including:

• Improved Engine Performance: When you have a clear air filter, you ensure optimal airflow to your engine, which is crucial for efficient combustion. The cleaner the air is when it enters your engine, the better you can accelerate and the better your engine will perform overall.
• Better Fuel Efficiency: Clogged air filters can cause your engine to work harder than necessary, reducing your fuel efficiency. By replacing your filter, you can maintain and improve your vehicle’s mileage, reducing your trips to the gas station. 
• Prolonged Engine Life: Clean air is vital for your engine’s health. If you don’t replace your air filter, you may deal with more dust, dirt, and debris entering your engine, which can lead to increased wear and tear over time. 
• Reduced Emissions: A clean air filter contributes to more complete combustion, which reduces the amount of unburned fuel and, consequently, lowers emissions. If this is something you are trying to be mindful of, you must replace your air filter often.
• Prevent Engine Damage: Particles and debris entering the engine can cause significant damage over time. A clean air filter helps prevent this, helping you avoid costly repairs and periods without your vehicle.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Air Filter?

The frequency with which you replace your air filter will vary depending on your car’s year, make, and model. However, on average, it is best to replace your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or every second or third oil change. When you schedule your oil change, you can request that your automotive team check your air filter, to ensure it is in good condition and doesn’t require replacement. 

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Air Filter?

There are several major consequences to not replacing your air filter. Some of the most significant consequences of not replacing your filter include: 

• Spark Plug Contamination: When you don’t replace your filter, you may deal with increased contaminants in your engine. These contaminants can cause spark plugs to go bad more quickly. When your spark plugs begin to reach the end of their life, you may deal with more frequent misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting your engine.
• Engine Damage: If your filter is clogged, it can allow dirt and debris to bypass it and instead enter your engine. As more debris enters your engine, you may begin to notice more frequent wear and tear on engine components. Over time, this can lead to significant damage, which can be incredibly costly to repair. 
• Check Engine Light Activation: As your air filter becomes clogged, it can trigger your check engine light, indicating a problem with the engine’s air intake system. This may result in unexpected car maintenance and may leave you without a vehicle for some time. 

Address Engine Problems with Paskett Auto

When you are dealing with engine problems as a result of a clogged air filter, it is essential that you work with a reliable automotive team. If you’re looking for a reliable team in the Roy, Utah, area, turn to our team at Paskett Auto. For years, we have provided the most reliable automotive care to car owners across the Wasatch Front. 

With this experience, you can trust that there is no problem we can’t help you address and remedy. In addition to addressing engine problems, our team provides regular vehicle maintenance to ensure your car runs well all year long. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team at Paskett Auto or if you have any questions about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today.