Fall and Winter Car Maintenance Tips for Kelowna Drivers

As we are enjoying the crisp air of a beautiful Okanagan fall, we know that winter approaches! Kelowna drivers need to prepare their vehicles for cold temperatures, snow and ice, wet roads, and tough driving weather. At Car Craft Automotive, we are your local service centre for the advice and service you need this fall to ensure your car will be safe and reliable this winter. Here are some of the services we can help with:

Cold weather affects tire pressure, and tires that aren’t balanced or inflated properly can impact how your car handles and possibly your safety in difficult road conditions. With a fall checkup we will ensure your tires are properly balanced and inflated, as well as having winter or all-season tires installed that have sufficient tread depth for wet or icy roads. If your tires are worn, consider winter tires — they provide better traction and braking performance during BC’s colder months. We provide excellent prices on tires for all makes and models of cars and trucks.

Winter puts extra strain on car batteries. Have our technicians test your battery to avoid unexpected breakdowns. We will also check your engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze levels. Using the right fluids for colder weather ensures your engine stays protected and your visibility remains clear.

Shorter days and rainy or snowy conditions make fully functioning lights essential. If you are missing a bulb, we can do the replacement. Be sure to check your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Also, inspect your windshield wipers — worn wipers reduce visibility in wet weather and compromise safety. We sell those in the shop!

There are many other diagnostics our technicians will run when you come in for your fall checkup. We always provide our recommendations for any service needed up front, for you to decide before we proceed.

Winter driving in and around Kelowna can be unpredictable. It’s always a great idea to store an emergency kit in your vehicle with the essentials like a flashlight, blankets, ice scraper, jumper cables, water, road flares and LED lights, and a first aid kit. Being prepared can make a big difference if you encounter winter road hazards and have to pull over to the side of the road for any length of time.