Car safety is important any time of the year. Road conditions during the winter months, however, mean that you need to make correct choices with car maintenance to avoid accidents and breakdowns. Keep your car in great shape during the cold months by following these auto maintenance guidelines.

To start out, it is a good idea to keep a log of all your car’s maintenance work. A log will remind you when you need to bring your car in. It can also be a good way for your Utah auto repair technician to know which tires were rotated, and which ones have not been replaced for a while, etc.

Ice, snow, and road salt wreak havoc on cars. Driving in the winter is more dangerous than driving during the dry months. Below are a few winter tips for things you need to check up on with your car.

1. Inspect your tires – Tire treads keep your car safe while driving on ice and snow. Be sure that your tread depth is 2/32″ or more. Anything less than this should be replaced quickly.

2. Replace windshield wipers – Utah auto repair stores carry windshield wipers. If your wipers are not working correctly, exchange them for a new set. During the winter months it is not safe to have faulty windshields.

3. Check the windshield wiper washer fluid – Windshield fluid comes in handy when the windshield freezes over or when dirty snow sloshes up your car’s front. Washer fluid can be found at any Utah auto repair store and most supermarkets. During the winter time windshield cleaner is used frequently while driving.

4. Be sure you have enough antifreeze – The antifreeze in your car keeps your car going during the winter. You need to make sure your antifreeze is at the right station. A lot of Utah auto repair service stations even allow you to check your antifreeze levels free of charge.

Most Utah auto repair shops will carry these materials. Most of these jobs can be done by yourself if you have a basic knowledge of car repair. You can also double check with car shops to see if they do any of these services free.