How Do I Best Prep My Hyundai for Winter?

From electric vehicles to cars and SUVs, Hyundai upholds a high standard for driver and passenger safety. Brand-new Hyundais, such as the KONA and KONA Electric, feature Hyundai SmartSense, the auto manufacturer’s innovative suite of safety and convenience technologies. These advanced safety features include parking assistance, collision mitigation, and highway driving assist to keep you safe on the Auburn, Alabama, roads. But what about protection from winter weather and the elements?

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Prep Your Hyundai for Winter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Winter safety for your Hyundai begins with prevention, from swapping out your tires to replacing your wipers. At Hyundai of Auburn, we strive to keep you safe as the temperatures drop. Consider following the below steps to best prep your Hyundai for the winter.

Check Your Car’s Battery Health

Chances are, you drained your Hyundai’s battery significantly this summer while trying to keep cool in the Alabama heat. Before you set off for a scenic drive in Auburn, check your battery’s health. If the charge is too weak, it likely won’t survive the winter, as colder temperatures make it harder for it to start up. Even worse, it could die unexpectedly, potentially leaving you in a dangerous situation.

Prevent getting stranded on the side of the road with no heat by replacing your battery at your local Hyundai dealership today. Purchase a pair of jumper cables and keep them tucked in your car’s underfloor storage, as seen on the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ. These cables will come in handy in case of an emergency.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Winter weather is unpredictable, with rain, snow, or hail affecting your visibility on the road. Make sure that your windshield wipers function properly so they can keep your windshield clear when the skies turn gray. If you haven’t used your wipers recently, test them before winter starts. Expecting a cold front or an extreme dip in temperature? Lift your wipers off the windshield while it’s parked to prevent them from freezing to the surface.

Wipers should be replaced every six to 12 months, depending on their condition. If you don’t remember when your wipers were installed, a certified service technician can inspect them and replace them if necessary.

Check and Top Up Important Fluids

Checking your vehicle’s fluids is essential to keeping your car running in good shape. As the weather gets colder, you risk elements of your Hyundai malfunctioning if you don’t take care of the fluids. For example, coolant or antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing when temperatures dip. Maintaining an appropriate antifreeze level is imperative to protecting your car’s engine, so schedule a routine checkup at Hyundai of Auburn’s service center. Our technicians will check your Hyundai’s fluids and top them off as needed.

Deep Clean Your Hyundai

Another effective way to improve your visibility on the road is by deep cleaning your car and removing built-up dirt or car wax from the windows and headlights. Whether you drive a brand-new Hyundai IONIQ 5 or a used Hyundai ELANTRA, your vehicle will benefit from a thorough washing. Colder temperatures threaten your auto’s exterior, especially when in contact with road salt if you travel to areas with snow. It’s a good idea to clean your car before and after a trip to maintain its appearance for years to come.

Get Your Brakes Checked

Winter weather can negatively affect the roads you frequently travel, making them unexpectedly slick. If your brakes are squeaky or less responsive than they used to be, it may be time to replace them. Get your brakes checked before the weather turns cold. Certified brake specialists and car mechanics can assess your brakes, from the pads to the shoes, and replace them if necessary. New brakes on your Hyundai ensure that your car stops when you want it to, preventing you from sliding around on an icy highway.

Swap Out Your Current Tires

Whether you’re gearing up for a winter drive in your Hyundai SONATA sedan or Hyundai TUCSON SUV, you need to ensure that it has the appropriate tires. Winter tires are versatile, meaning that they suit any vehicle type as long as they’re the correct size. The benefit of swapping your current tires out for winter tires is better traction and stability on slick, wet roads. If you plan to head north to the Talladega mountains, hoping to see some snow, your winter tires should handle navigating through light ice and snow.

Schedule an Oil Change

Hyundai recommends getting an oil change every 4,500 to 7,500 miles, depending on your driving habits. Oil changes are imperative for keeping your Hyundai’s engine running smoothly. Neglecting oil changes can reduce your engine performance and your car’s life span. Plus, colder weather can thicken your auto’s fluids, impairing their ability to flow freely throughout the system. Consult with a certified service technician at Hyundai of Auburn about switching to synthetic oil for the winter, and schedule an oil change before the cold months descend.

Double Check Your Emergency Kit

Planning to travel outside of Auburn this winter? Pack an emergency kit in your Hyundai and stow it in the trunk or behind the rear seats. If you run into inclement weather that strands you on the side of the road, you’ll appreciate having an emergency kit handy. On top of battery jumper cables, you’ll want to have the following essentials in your kit:

• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Water and nonperishable food.
• Basic first aid kit.
• Emergency survival blanket.
• Road flares and reflective triangles.
• Portable power bank.
• Tire pressure gauge.
• Fix-a-Flat kit.
• Multifunction tool.
• Heavy-duty gloves and hand warmers.

Get Your Hyundai Winter-Ready at Hyundai of Auburn

While you could complete some of these Hyundai safety tips at home, nothing beats the quality assurance from a professional service technician from a dealership. Ensure the best winter preparation for your vehicle at Hyundai of Auburn, located at 823 Opelika Road. Contact our service center at 334-321-0777 to schedule an appointment today. We cover all the auto repair services you need, including tire and battery replacements, brake inspections, and oil changes. Trust us to get your Hyundai winter-ready for your next road trip around Alabama.

Red Hyundai Car Parked Near Snow Covered Ground by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License