Preparing Your Cadillac for Winter Weather
The changes in the seasons are inevitable, and we are all painfully aware that car winter preparation is essential because winter and its associated challenges come around like clockwork every year.
You may ask yourself, what does this have to do with my Cadillac vehicle? Good question!
Well, all vehicles are negatively affected by cold or freezing temperatures. Issues that arise include battery problems, thickened fluids, and stressed engine components. These are all problems that can lead to difficulty starting, decreased performance, and the heightened risk of expensive part failures.
Our article shares essential information on preparing your Cadillac for winter weather.
What Should You Do to Your Car Before Winter?
Let's take a look at some of the most important tasks that owners need to consider before winter sets in.
Check Your Battery and Electrical System
The primary consideration is to inspect your Cadillac's battery and electrical system for any potential issues. Unfortunately, winter's colder temperatures cause your car's battery to lose a significant amount of its power.
The reduced cranking amperage of your battery in freezing temperatures can and will make starting your Cadillac's engine that much harder.
Having your vehicle's battery tested at a suitable workshop or certified Cadillac service center will give you enhanced peace of mind when heading out on a freezing winter morning.
Check your Caddy's electrical system for damaged wiring or loose and corroded connectors. Nobody wants to be stranded in freezing snow conditions due to electrical system problems.
Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades
Driving in snow or sleet conditions is dangerous at the best of times, which is why car winter preparation includes inspecting your vehicle's wiper blades to ensure they can still wipe your windshield effectively.
Extreme cold winter temperatures are known to cause wiper blades to become brittle, rendering them less effective.
Rather have new wiper blades fitted for optimal clearing of snow and icing on your windshield.
Switch to Winter Tires
Depending on the state you reside in, you may be blessed not to have to deal with severe winter driving conditions.
However, for those residing in the colder parts of the US and being subjected to heavily snowed-in roads and slippery ice, your Cadillac's tires need to be of the correct type for safer winter driving in adverse winter road conditions.
Winter Tire Benefits
Switching from summer or all-season tires is highly recommended or absolutely necessary when road conditions deteriorate in winter.
As part of smart car winter preparation, winter tires are designed with different tread patterns and compounds that offer superior traction on snow and ice, helping your Cadillac maintain control even in harsh conditions.
Proper Tire Pressure in Cold Weather
Cold air will cause your tires to lose pressure, leading to decreased grip and possibly uneven tire wear or, in the worst-case scenario, a blowout due to low pressure.
Test Your Heating and Defrosting Systems
It goes without saying that winter brings its freezing temperatures. It's bad enough having to drag yourself out of your warm bed when it is still dark and freezing cold, let alone having to climb into your car where the interior refuses to heat up or defrost your window glass so you can see to get driving.
Before the cold sets in, get your car's HVAC systems checked out by a certified Cadillac dealership to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Check Fluid Levels and Types
All the various fluids in your Cadillac are subjected to the low temperatures of winter. Your car may be parked in a warmer garage, but once out on the road, below-freezing temps will quickly affect the fluids.
As part of thorough car winter preparation, always check the fluid levels to ensure they're at their optimal range and, importantly, that all fluids meet the correct type and specifications for winter conditions.
Antifreeze and Coolant
Make sure that you check the antifreeze/coolant levels to prevent your engine from freezing and ensure that the antifreeze/coolant is of the correct specifications as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Switching to a winter-grade windshield washer fluid will prevent freezing of the windshield washer fluid and prevent possible damage to the typically plastic washer fluid bottle and lines.
Engine Oil Viscosity
Cold winter weather causes engine oil to thicken, which increases resistance, leading to increased engine wear.
Owners should replace their vehicle's engine oil with the correct specification winter-grade motor oil, especially if they reside in very cold regions.
Examine Your Brake System
The best safe practice is for owners to have their vehicles' brakes inspected, including the pads, brake rotors, and, of course, the brake fluid.
Your local Cadillac service center is best qualified for this safety-critical check.
Protect Your Cadillac's Exterior
Winter conditions bring a whole lot of different challenges for the exterior of a vehicle.
The paintwork is subject to below-zero temps, clinging ice, and even rust, causing salt from the roads in those states that fall in the so-called 'Salt Belt'.
Prepping your car's exterior for winter should include a thorough washing and waxing with suitable paint protectors or sealants to protect the exterior paint finish from salt and other road grime.
Prepare an Emergency Winter Kit
Owners will do well to put together an emergency winter kit that comprises essential items like blankets, warm clothing, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with fresh or fully charged batteries, jumper cables, along with a selection of non-perishable foods and sufficient water to tide you and your passengers over if ever stranded.
Further useful items include a snow brush/ice scraper, a small shovel, sand to put down for traction, your phone charger, plus a warning triangle.
Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection
Before winter hits, schedule a pre-winter inspection with your local Cadillac dealership as part of your car winter preparation routine to give yourself absolute peace of mind that you are best prepared for bad weather.
What Are the 3 Ps of Winter Driving?
Commit to memory these 3 P's of winter driving: prepare, protect, and prevent.
These three simple guidelines remind owners to prepare their vehicle, plan their trip, and protect themselves and their passengers by following the above shared advice.
Get Your Cadillac Prepared for Winter at Colonial Cadillac
Don't leave your and your passengers' safety to chance. Contact Colonial Cadillac today for expert car winter preparation services and get your Cadillac ready for the season.
Owners will experience peace of mind knowing that our service center's skilled Cadillac experts are looking out for you when you service your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT.
