Winters in Minnesota can be severe with lots of icy roads, significant snowfall, and consistent below-freezing temperatures. You should schedule Kia car service in Duluth, MN early in the season to prepare for tricky winter weather. Learn about the key cold weather car maintenance services to schedule at your Kia dealership today. 

Your car battery is responsible for many vehicle functions, including providing the initial surge of power your engine needs to start up. However, car batteries often struggle to perform in extremely cold weather conditions, so it’s essential to have your battery checked before cold weather hits. During a battery health check, a Kia mechanic will assess your battery’s output, clean cables, and perform other battery maintenance so you have strong startups in the winter. 

Brake and oil maintenance are also important for winter weather preparations. As part of seasonal winter maintenance, a Kia mechanic will inspect your brake pads, clean your oil filter, and even change your engine oil to a formulation that stays thin in freezing temperatures. 

Do You Need Winter Tires as Part of Cold Weather Car Maintenance?

Even if your Kia is equipped with all-season tires, the winter weather in Duluth is frequently severe enough that you might be better off driving on winter tires. All-season tires are only designed to tolerate light ice and snow, so if you plan to drive your Kia in dense snow conditions, you’re better off with winter tires that are specially designed to optimize traction on slippery surfaces. 

Along with putting the right tires on your car, you will want to frequently check your tire air pressure. The air in your tires contracts when it’s cold outside, so you may want to increase tire air pressure in the winter, so your tires have ideal air pressure. You should check your tire air pressure frequently so your winter tires have ideal traction on snowy or icy roads. 

When Should You Schedule Car Service in Duluth, MN?

To prepare for winter, you should schedule seasonal maintenance in the fall. By scheduling service before the first big freeze, you will ensure your vehicle is prepared to operate in winter weather conditions. 

Driving in snowy or icy conditions can be challenging, so it’s important to make sure your brakes, tires, engine, and battery are all prepared for inclement weather. Contact Kia of Duluth in Duluth, MN to learn about purchasing winter tires today.