Winter isn't letting up anytime soon, and the colder temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle. From icy roads to freezing mornings, your car needs a little extra care to keep running smoothly all season long. At Genesis Parts & Accessories, we’re here to help you prepare with these essential winter maintenance tips. Whether it’s checking your brakes, replacing your air filter, or ensuring you have a winter emergency kit in your car, a few simple steps can save you time, money, and stress. Stay safe and confident on the road this winter—let’s get your vehicle ready for the rest of the season ahead!

Inspect Your Brakes

Winter conditions like ice, snow, and slush significantly reduce traction. Functional brakes ensure you have maximum stopping power when it matters most.

Winter activities, such as holiday travel or carrying snow equipment, can increase your vehicle’s weight. This extra load puts more strain on your brakes. 

Winter roads are often treated with salt and de-icing chemicals, which can corrode brake components like calipers, rotors, and lines. Inspecting your brakes allows you to spot and address early signs of corrosion.

Warm Up Your Vehicle Wisely

Avoid idling for too long; modern engines typically don’t need much time to warm up. Instead, drive gently after starting your car to help the engine reach optimal temperature efficiently.

Check Exterior Lights

Ensure headlights, taillights, and brake lights are clean and fully functional for visibility during shorter daylight hours and snowy conditions. 
Replace any burned-out bulbs immediately.

Carry A Winter Emergency Kit

Include items like a flashlight, blanket, extra warm clothes, gloves, a first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks, a phone charger, and jumper cables.
Add a small shovel, traction aids (like sand or kitty litter), and an ice scraper for emergencies.

Replace Your Air Filter

 A clogged air filter makes your engine work harder to draw in air, reducing fuel efficiency. In winter, this can be compounded by colder temperatures and heavier engine loads.
Poor airflow caused by a clogged/dirty filter can impair the defrosting system, leading to longer wait times to clear fogged or frosted windows.
Replacing the air filter regularly helps prevent costly repairs and can actually prolong the life of your vehicle.

Don’t let winter weather catch you off guard! Taking care of your vehicle now can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns later. At Genesis Parts & Accessories, we’re here to keep you safe and confident on the road all season long.