Keep your car in shape for winter driving conditions

Freezing weather, icy roads and road salt can all take a toll on a car, truck or SUV.
Freezing weather, icy roads and road salt can all take a toll on a car, truck or SUV. | File photo

Graff Mount Pleasant, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, offers a number of vehicle-care tips to help keep things running smoothly this winter.

Even though winter is well under way, it's still a great time to ensure things are in top running order. Freezing weather, icy roads and road salt can all take a toll on a car, truck or SUV.

Tires are one of the more important parts of driving safety in the winter. Besides having good treads, tires must be inflated to proper pressure. Changing temperatures can affect the air pressure.

A good battery is also a must. Cold weather takes a toll on the battery and could make it harder to start a vehicle. Take the vehicle in to Graff or your local service center to run diagnostics on the battery if the battery is getting old. Brakes should also be inspected.

Even the oil in the vehicle can be affected by cold weather. Be sure to get any scheduled oil changes and check oil levels regularly if the vehicle is older.

Don't put off replacing damaged wiper blades. Winter weather is probably when they're the most important, since those blades help keep the windshield clear when salt, snow and dirty slush get kicked up by other cars during your travels.