Tips for Winterizing Your Hyundai

Now that the fall season has come to an end, it’s a good time to prepare your vehicle(s) for winter. Following the recommendations of the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that certifies the expertise of auto technicians, we have broken down their maintenance recommendations into three general groups: items that you can do, items that a handy DIYer can do, and, items for a professional service person to do.

What things can I do to get my vehicle ready for winter?

• Inspect and clean the plastic covers over your headlights, taillights, directionals, and indicator lights on your vehicle. If you find any burned out bulbs, replace them yourself or bring your vehicle into Hyundai of Louisville to change them.
• Assemble a “Winter Emergency Kit” to keep in your vehicle. Suggested items are extra gloves, boots, and blankets; old-style or electronic flares; a small shovel; a flashlight with fresh batteries; an ice-scraper. If you have young children, a few extra Energy Bars might be a good idea too.
• Before it gets real cold, check the tire pressure in all four tires. Note that it’s a good idea to do this every month regardless of the season. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition.

I’m pretty handy, what additional things can I do to get my vehicle ready for winter?

• Add a bottle of deicer to your gas tank to help keep moisture from freezing in the tank and fuel lines. Note that during the winter, it’s a good idea to do this every month or so. Another thing: try and keep your gas tank filled during the winter. This is a good way to help prevent moisture from forming in the tank and then freezing when it gets cold.
• Unless you have brand new windshield wiper blades on your Hyundai, replace the existing ones. By the way, it’s not a bad idea to spend a few extra dollars and get winter blades to fight ice build-up.
• Top off your windshield washer solvent and keep a spare jug ready in the garage.

What things can I have Hyundai of Louisville do to get my vehicle ready for winter?

• Have a technician inspect and replace dirty air, fuel, and other filters.
• Change your oil and oil filter changed as specified in your owner’s manual.
• Have a technician inspect your cooling system. They may recommend that it be flushed and refilled with new coolant.
• Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Have a technician examine your Hyundai’s tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping. Rotate as recommended.
• Exhaust fumes inside your vehicle’s cabin can be deadly during the winter. Have the exhaust system on your Hyundai examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should also be inspected for any rust holes.
• Have your brakes checked for proper operation.

Get your Hyundai ready for winter with Hyundai of Louisville