Winter Car Care Tips
Carlee Hoekenga • December 19, 2025

Stay Safe This Winter: Mattie’s Top Tips to Winterize Your Vehicle!

Before the snow piles up, make sure your vehicle is ready for cold starts, slippery roads, and salty streets.

At Mattie’s, we see too many preventable breakdowns every winter, so here are a few easy tips to keep your car in top shape all season long.

❄️ Mattie’s Winter Car Care Tips ❄️

Keep your car safe, reliable, and ready for whatever winter brings!

Plan Ahead for Service 📅


  1. Have Your Battery Checked 🔋
    Cold weather can weaken your battery. Have it tested to make sure it’s strong enough to handle the cold starts.
  2. Have Your Tires Inspected 🚗
    Make sure your tires have proper tread depth and are inflated to the right pressure, cold air can lower PSI fast! Consider switching to winter tires for better grip.
  3. Replace Wiper Blades & Top Off Washer Fluid + Rain-X windshield treatment for added safety💧
    Visibility is key! Install new wipers and use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing.
  4. Heater & Defroster Check 🌬️
    Ensure your cabin stays warm and your windshield stays clear.
  5. Coolant & Antifreeze Levels 🧊
    A proper coolant mix prevents freezing and protects your engine all season long.
  6. Brake Inspection 🛠️
    Snow and ice make stopping distances longer—have your brakes checked for wear and responsiveness.
  7. Monitor Fluid Levels
    Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant should all be clean and at proper levels.
  8. Wash and Wax Regularly 🚿
    Road salt can cause corrosion, wash frequently and apply a protective wax layer.
Winter can be rough on your vehicle but with a little preparation, you’ll stay safe, warm, and ready for every drive.
Make an appointment with Mattie’s Service Center and let our trusted team keep your car in its best winter shape yet!


  • Winter Protection With JP Auto Salon

    Wash, Detail & Wax for Salt Protection


    Salt, slush, and grime don’t just make your car look dirty, they can cause long-term damage. Staying on top of winter washes, detailing, and waxing is key to protecting your vehicle. That’s why we recommend JP right near Mattie’s Service Center for expert winter protection inside and out.


    JP Auto Salon - (203) 500 - 5588 

    81 Munson St, Milford, CT 06461

  • Is Checking Tire Pressures Important In The Winter?

    Yes! Cold air causes tire pressure to drop, which can affect handling, traction, and fuel efficiency. If you come out to a tire light, don’t worry! Most of the time it simply means your tires need a little air. Checking your tire pressure regularly during the winter helps keep your vehicle safe and performing properly.

Mechanic tightening lug nuts on a car tire while it is raised on a lift inside a garage.
By Carlee Hoekenga August 12, 2025
Is your car campus ready? Let Mattie’s help you make sure!
By Carlee Hoekenga June 25, 2025
Did you know most vehicles have a recirculation button next to the A/C controls — but many drivers aren’t sure when or why to use it? Here’s a quick rule of thumb: ✅ Use it in the summer ❌ Turn it off in the winter Why? The recirculation feature reuses the air already inside your vehicle instead of pulling in hot air from outside. So on scorching days if you’re not using it, your A/C is working overtime trying to cool the hot air from outside! Turning recirculate ON keeps your cabin cooler and reduces strain on your A/C system . Win-win!
By Carlee Hoekenga June 2, 2025
Why Your Car’s A/C is More Than Just Comfort