Winter Vehicle Check: Your Guide to a Safe Winter Season

December 13, 2024

Winter brings unique challenges for your vehicle, from icy roads to freezing temperatures. Preparing your car for these conditions isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a safety necessity. A winter vehicle check ensures your car can handle the colder months and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns during the worst time of the year.

Here’s why winter checks are essential and a handy checklist to get your vehicle winter-ready.

Safety First: Proper preparation ensures your car can handle slippery roads, low visibility, and freezing conditions.
Prevent Costly Repairs: Catching potential issues early saves you from expensive repairs or breakdowns later.
Enhanced Performance: Your vehicle operates more efficiently when it’s winter-ready, improving fuel economy and performance.

The Essential Winter Checklist

Battery Check

Cold weather can reduce your battery’s capacity.
Ensure the battery is fully charged, and the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
If your battery is over three years old, consider testing it or replacing it before winter.

Tire Inspection

Tread Depth: Make sure your tires have at least 5/32" tread depth for optimal traction.
Winter Tires: Consider switching to winter tires for better grip on icy or snowy roads.
Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, so check and adjust it regularly.

Fluid Levels

Antifreeze: Check coolant levels and ensure the mix is appropriate for freezing temperatures.
Oil: Use winter-grade oil if recommended by your manufacturer.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures to prevent freezing.

Lights and Wipers

Ensure all exterior lights are functioning and replace dim or burnt-out bulbs.
Inspect windshield wipers for wear and replace them if they’re streaking or skipping.
Keep an extra set of winter wipers handy—they’re designed to handle ice and snow.

Brakes

Test the brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises.
Ensure there’s adequate brake pad material and no leaks in the brake lines.

Heater and Defroster

Check that your heater and defroster are in working condition.
A working defroster is essential for visibility in snowy or frosty conditions.

Emergency Kit

Include items like a flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, blankets, and a snow shovel.
Add non-perishable snacks, water, and a fully charged power bank for emergencies.

Belts and Hoses

Inspect belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, or leaks.
Cold temperatures can make existing wear worse, leading to unexpected failures.

Fuel Tank

Keep the tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.

Underbody Protection

Consider an undercarriage wash and treatment to protect against salt and moisture that can cause rust.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

While you can complete many of these checks yourself, a professional inspection ensures nothing is overlooked. Our team at Automotive Magic and Magic Lube & Rubber is here to help you prepare your vehicle for winter.

Don’t let winter catch you off guard! Use this checklist to make sure your car is ready for the season. If you need assistance or prefer to have professionals handle your winter checks, give us a call at 973-366-3777 or 973-663-4472 today!

Drive safe and stay warm!

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Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.

In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.

Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

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Rabbit Wheels Car Rental at Automotive Keeps You Moving!

March 25, 2025

Your Solution is Right Here! Automotive Magic offers on-site car rentals to help you stay on the move while your vehicle is being serviced? That’s right — Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service is available at both locations, and it’s becoming a client favorite! Dropping off your vehicle for service can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your day and coordinating rides, waiting around, or juggling your schedule just to stay mobile? It’s a hassle. That’s exactly why we’ve been offering Rabbit Wheels — a convenient rental solution designed with your busy life in mind. While Rabbit Wheels has been available for a while, it's now truly taking off as more clients realize just how effortless it makes their service experience. When you're at Automotive Magic in Kenvil, the process is simple, seamless, and all about keeping you moving. Here’s How It Works: Drop off your car for service, and instead of worrying about how you’ll get around, you can make a reservation for a reliable Rabbit Wheels rental, available right on-site. No waiting. No extra stops. Just keys in hand and freedom to go about your day. Why Clients Love Rabbit Wheels: Speed: Quick and easy rental process — get back on the road fast. Reliability: Well-maintained vehicles ready when you are. Affordability: A cost-effective way to avoid downtime without breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading to work, tackling errands, or just want the freedom to come and go while your vehicle is in expert hands, Rabbit Wheels has got you covered. At Automotive Magic, we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best experience possible — and that means minimizing inconvenience while maximizing your time and flexibility. Let’s Keep You Moving! Don't let vehicle service disrupt your plans. Call today to make your reservation for both your service and your Rabbit Wheels rental — all in one easy step. Because when it comes to convenience, we’ve thought of everything — including the wheels to keep you going!