Not far from Illinois, Kenosha, WI winters can be brutal and, while Hyundais are designed with maximum reliability and durability in mind, it's essential that every driver both prepares their car for cold, snowy weather and monitors its systems throughout the season.  Though the Hyundai maintenance services that are offered at Rosen Hyundai are second to none, as they're carried out by Hyundai-certified technicians who use authentic Hyundai parts, it's still in the best interest of every automobile owner to regularly go through a winter maintenance checklist to both maximize their own safety and extend the longevity of their car. 

To make car ownership easy for those who are not familiar with how an automobile is affected by the weather, Rosen Hyundai has put together the following winter maintenance checklist for our customers.  Though it covers easy steps that can be carried out at home, our Service Department at (888) 806-3252 is always happy to provide these and other winterization services for local drivers:

1.) Check Battery Voltage

Check battery voltage before the winter sets in and throughout the season.  Cold weather can drastically reduce power output, with some units being able to generate half as much power at 0 degrees Fahrenheit as they would at 80 degrees, and the subsequent energy strain can damage any system in a car that draws from the battery.  Many modern batteries are equipped with built-in hydrometers that display a unit's current voltage, however hand-held hydrometers are also designed for units without this feature.  If the charge appears low, take your vehicle to a fully-certified service station like the one at Rosen Hyundai for a full battery test.  Though the unit could be defective, it may only need a simple charge.

2.) Check Battery Fluid Level

Check battery fluid level during winterization.  The plastic caps on the top of a conventional battery can be removed to visually inspect the unit's fluid level.  Compare what you see with the level recommended in the battery's manual and, if necessary, follow the manual's recommendations for raising the level if the battery is not a non-maintenance unit.  In many cases, this step may only require you to add water to the battery.

3.) Inspect Battery Cables

It is important to inspect all battery cables for cracks and breaks.  Cold weather can cause cables that already have visible cracks to disintegrate at an increased rate.

4.) Check for Loose Connections

Check to make sure that all battery terminals are firmly in place and have no loose connections.  This may also be a good moment to methodically inspect all visible wiring for signs of a loose connection.

5.) Check Manufacturing Date

Review your battery's stamped manufacturing date. Modern batteries should have a manufacturing date that's fairly easy to locate.  Conclude the battery portion of your Hyundai winter maintenance checklist by reviewing the date and writing it down, with an eye to an eventual planned replacement.

6.) Is Specific Grade Oil Recommended?

Check to see if a specific grade of oil is recommended for your car during the winter.  Cold weather can cause oil to thicken, which makes it harder for the motor to turn over in the morning.  While most modern cars use multi-weight oil that is formulated for multi-season use, there's no harm in checking to see if a specific grade can enhance the performance of your model during the winter.  To prevent the unnecessary waste of oil, time any changes with when you plan to winterize your vehicle or carry out the first winter maintenance checklist of the season.

7.) Clean Engine and Grille

Clean the engine compartment and grille of any debris or foreign matter. The first time you go through your winter maintenance checklist and/or winterization is ideal for cleaning any loose matter or dirt from your car. 

8.) Check Radiator and Heater

Inspect the radiator and heater hoses for signs of cracking, leaks, or oil/grease/dirt contamination.  Replace them if, instead of being firm and pliable, they are brittle and overly soft. 

9.) If necessary, flush your car's cooling system. 

Though the recommended time between flushes may vary by model, the average for most units on the road is two years.  If your car's next flush is coming up, try to time it with the end of autumn and/or your full winterization.  This step is needed to prevent corrosion.

10.) Check your Antifreeze Levels. 

Most cars run on a 50/50 water/antifreeze ratio, however some models may be designed for a higher ratio when used in extreme cold for long periods of time. Under no circumstances should a higher percentage of antifreeze than is recommended by the manufacturer ever be used.

11.) Replace your windshield wipers if they're cracked. 

Also, though it may be tempting to use the wipers themselves to remove snow when you're slogging through an Illinois winter, always removed snow with an appropriate hand tool.  Using the wipers can burn out their motors.

12.) Check Windshield Wiper Fluid

Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is filled with a washer solution that incorporates an antifreeze agent.  Pure water will freeze in the washer lines, causing damage.

13.) Prevent Overnight Freezing

To prevent overnight freezing, lubricate the locks on the doors and trunk of your car with a silicone spray or door-lock lubricant.  It's also advised that you open, dry, and allow your doors and locks to air out after every wintertime car wash.

14.) Wash Car

Thoroughly wash the car, including its wheel wells and undercarriage, before the winter sets in, then wax and seal it.  Repeat this cleaning process as often as possible during the season to prevent road salt damage. While temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit are warm enough to wash your car at home, it's advised that you go to a year-round car wash with steam and undercarriage cleaning if your car has been driven continuously in heavy snow or sleet for more than ten days.

15.) Winter Tires

If you are going to be driving in severe winter weather conditions for most of the season, you may want to purchase dedicated winter tires.  Rosen Hyundai's Service Department routinely runs tire specials… check with us seasonally to see what we may have available for each part of the year.

While every step on this winter maintenance checklist can be performed by drivers at home, the certified technicians at Rosen Hyundai's Service Department are always happy to perform any type of Hyundai maintenance that's needed to keep your car safe and running in peak condition.  Call them at (888) 806-3252.