As a Mercedes owner, you already know that your vehicle offers superb power, handling, and comfort, but what about driving during the winter? You may be reluctant to take your Mercedes on the road if conditions are slippery or sloppy, but a bit of nasty weather shouldn’t keep your car stuck in the garage. With the weatherizing tips featured in our winter guide to Mercedes Benz repair and maintenance, you can enjoy your Mercedes all year round.
Get Your Car A Checkup
As always before any anticipated demands on your vehicle, it’s wise to have a mechanic who specializes in German cars give your car the once-over. This can help you spot any potential issues before they blossom into a full-blown problem. Here’s a list of things to check for:
The Condition Of Your Battery
Even if you haven’t been having trouble starting your car, if your battery is nearing the end of its useful life cold weather might be enough to push it over the edge and cause unreliable charging. The last thing you need is to be stranded in a cold parking lot, unable to get your car to turn on. Have your mechanic check the age and condition of your battery, and replace it if necessary.
Be Careful About Coolant Systems
Hot weather can cause the plastic portions of your coolant system to crack or become brittle, or the fluids inside can cause buildup. When winter comes, cold temperatures can cause all these parts to contract, which can lead to problems. Have your mechanic check the functionality of your coolant system, and flush or change the coolant as necessary to ensure that it will run well in cold weather.
Make Sure Your Tires Are Cold-Weather Ready
Unless you’re driving a lot in the snow, you probably don’t need to change to snow tires, but you do need to make sure that the tires on your vehicle have enough useful life left to make them safe on wet or slippery roads. Tires with less than 3/32-inch of tread, or tires that are over 10 years old, should be replaced. Don’t take a chance on this: your Mercedes’ superior handling doesn’t matter much if its tires can’t grip the road surface properly.
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