What car maintenance should I be doing to prepare for winter, and when should I get it done?

At McCormick’s, we always recommend that our customers consider bringing their vehicles in for a digital inspection in preparation for winter. Often called winterization, we go through our digital safety inspection to make sure you vehicle is ready to go out in the cold and perform. Our team of ASE Certified Technicians use the latest technology and diagnostics to properly service, repair and maintain your car.

What does “Winterization” mean?

Vehicle Winterization is when the vehicle is prepared for cold weather  by making sure that if there are any small problems they are addressed before they can become major problems. Cold weather exacerbates many problems that cars can often operate with during summer when temps are higher.  Well maintained cars are often more reliable, safer, and last longer (which saves you money in the long run!).

To help address any potential maintenance problems, our team of highly trained mechanics will perform a free digital safety inspection of every vehicle that comes into our auto shop. It can help you understand what maintenance we’d recommend right off the bat, and what you should expect down the road.

What does “Winterization” mean?

Vehicle Winterization is an essential part of making sure your vehicle operates safely and reliable all winter long. We will run through a digital safety inspection to find any potential issues that need to be addressed before the cold of winter really sets in. Many small problems can become major safety and reliability issues if not addressed before the snow starts falling and the temperatures follow. To help address any potential maintenance problems, our team of highly trained mechanics will perform a free digital safety inspection of every vehicle that comes into our auto shop. It can help you understand what maintenance we’d recommend right off the bat, and what you should expect down the road.

Mechanic Looking at Underside of Car on Lift at McCormick Automotive Center in Fort Collins, Colorado

What maintenance services are often included in Vehicle winterization? 

We want you to be just as confident in our car repair abilities as we are. We guarantee our auto repair services with an industry-leading 5 year/60,000 mile warranty. Whether you need an oil change, brake repair, timing belt replacement, engine service or more, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we also have a free local shuttle service to get you where you need to go while your vehicle is in our shop, and loaner cars available for longer repairs!

  • OIL – LUBE – FILTER: 3 months or 3,500 miles (for a standard oil change)

  • OIL – LUBE – FILTER: 5 months or  5,000 miles (for a synthetic oil change)

  • TIRE ROTATION: 3,000 to 5,000 Miles depending on tire style

  • PCV VALVE: Yearly, replace and service PCV system

  • BATTERY SERVICE: Yearly or as needed

  • AIR CONDITIONING: Check every spring or as needed

  • COOLANT FLUID EXCHANGE:  Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • 4X4 TRANSFER CASE FLUID EXCHANGE: Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • BRAKE FLUID EXCHANGE: Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • CLUTCH FLUID EXCHANGE: Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • ENGINE OIL SYSTEM CLEANER: Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE: Tested regularly & changed as needed

  • TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE: Tested regularly & changed as needed

  • FUEL FILTER: Yearly or as needed

  • INDUCTION SERVICE: 2 Years or 30,000 miles or when spark plugs are replaced

  • DIRECT INJECTED INDUCTION SERVICE (GDI): Yearly or 15,000 miles

  • DRIVE BELTS: Inspected regularly and changed as needed

  • TIMING BELT: Replaced at manufacturer’s recommended interval (different per manufacturer)

  • DIFFERENTIAL FLUID: Tested regularly and changed as needed

  • MANUAL TRANS SERVICE: Tested regularly and changed as needed

Keep in mind, the recommendations listed above are only based upon your vehicle’s mileage or time since that service was last performed. It is always possible that upon visual inspection, our team will make recommendations that may fall inside or outside of the windows listed depending upon the driving conditions and use of the vehicle. Our team of technicians will inspect your vehicle and all of the above listed items each and every time your vehicle arrives for any service. We perform a digital safety inspection at each visit that will visually inspect all of the fluids that your vehicle has as well as any other items that may fall into the “wearable part” category and will advise if there are any needed preventative maintenance items serviced at this visit or if it is needed in the upcoming months.

* The preventative maintenance recommendations may vary depending on vehicle type, driving habits and/or owner’s manual recommendations.

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