Maintenance specials – hype or value?
It’s time to order your winter tires, but you might be able to pass on other services
If you’re finding that your mailbox, newspaper, favourite radio or TV station seems filled with ads for automotive winter maintenance specials these days, you’re definitely not alone.
Every player, from major automakers to national chains to local independent shops, is firing the big promotion guns, trying to get consumers in with their vehicles for winter prep specials. These offers are almost always the same: get an engine oil/filter change, a multipoint inspection, and the installation of your mounted winter tires and rims in a package deal for less than $100 on average. But do we really need all of this just because it’s getting cooler outside?
First, no one should argue about installing winter tires in preparation for, well, winter. And there doesn’t have to be snow or ice on the roads to get the benefit that winter tires bring. When the frost hits, the treads and side walls on summer tires can become stiffer, leading to less traction, even on dry clear roads. But what about the rest of those packages?
If your vehicle is being maintained according to its maker’s schedule, getting an oil change early, just because it’s October is pretty much a waste of time and money. All automakers recommend a grade of oil that will work well in the temperature ranges we experience 12 months of the year. The limited exceptions to this would be those autos operating in extreme northern regions where the mercury can easily dip below -40 C.
When it comes to air and cabin filters, they don’t suddenly get dirtier because of the calendar. So if they were checked in August, for example, and found to be OK, it’s unlikely they’ll need replacements two months later.
Engine coolant strength is a critical item to verify when heading into our season of discontent, but unless your ride has had a troublesome leak causing you to top off the reservoir with water, it will still have the same freeze-point protection it did all year long. Remember that most late-model vehicles now use long-life coolant, good for five years or more.
Some may argue that just prior to winter is a good time to get the undercarriage inspected, along with brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust and such, but winter roads usually provide more hazards to these things, so getting them checked during the season and into spring will likely point out more potential problems than in the fall.
There are a few components that do benefit from a pre-winter check and some of these are an easy DIY affair. If your vehicle has a power sunroof, making sure the water drains are clear and not plugged can go a long way to prevent any freezing temps from damaging them. With the roof open, simply pour a small amount of water into the drain channel at each of the four corners and check to make sure it’s coming out underneath (usually just behind the front wheel wells and ahead of the rears). And fall is a great season to swap out sun- and heat-damaged wiper blades with a fresh set.
If your ride is due for an oil change in October or November, why not take advantage of competitive pricing to get it done with the winter tire changeover? Just don’t wait until the snow flies unless you’re a fan of long waits for an appointment.