Why is winter car maintenance important, especially in the Tri-Lakes area?

Winter in Colorado brings icy roads, freezing temps, and unpredictable weather. If your vehicle isn’t ready, those conditions can turn into safety risks — or costly repairs. The winter conditions in Monument, Tri-Lakes, and Colorado Springs can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers.

At Tri-Lakes Service Center, we help Monument drivers get ahead of the winter season with preventative maintenance that keeps your car reliable when it matters most.

Here are 7 winter car care tips to help you prepare for the snow, cold, and road challenges unique to Colorado.

1. 🧊 Check Your Battery

Cold weather is hard on batteries. As temperatures drop, your battery loses strength — and you need more power to start your engine.

✅ We test your battery’s voltage and health and replace it if it’s on the edge.

2. 🛞 Inspect Tires and Tread

Good traction is crucial on snowy and icy roads. We recommend:

  • Switching to winter tires for better grip
  • Ensuring tread depth is at least 4/32″
  • Checking tire pressure weekly (cold temps reduce PSI)

Need a rotation, balance, or alignment? We’ve got you covered.

3. 🧯 Replace Wiper Blades and Top Off Washer Fluid

Visibility is key in winter. Swap in winter-rated blades and fill your reservoir with freeze-resistant washer fluid.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an extra bottle of washer fluid in your trunk — you’ll use more than you think.

4. 🧼 Inspect Brakes

Slippery roads mean you’ll rely on your brakes even more.

We check:

  • Brake pad thickness
  • Rotor condition
  • Fluid level and quality
  • ABS performance

Book a free brake inspection if your car pulls, squeaks, or vibrates when braking.

5. 🧊 Test Your Heater and Defroster

Ensure your cabin stays warm and your windshield stays clear. If airflow is weak or you notice fogging, we’ll diagnose blower motors, fuses, and blend doors.

6. 💧 Flush or Test Antifreeze/Coolant

Your coolant prevents freezing and protects your engine. We’ll test its condition, check for leaks, and flush if necessary.

7. 🧰 Stock an Emergency Kit

Keep a winter emergency kit with:

  • Blanket
  • Flashlight
  • Ice scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Snacks and water
  • Phone charger
  • First aid kit

And for a little extra help getting out of a slippery situation, keep a tire traction pad or two in your car over winter.

Peace of mind is part of winter preparedness.

❄️ Winter Maintenance Packages Available

Ask us about bundled services to prep your vehicle for snow season — including tire rotations, battery tests, coolant flushes, and brake inspections.

📍 Schedule Winter Car Maintenance in Monument, CO

Let Tri-Lakes Service Center get your vehicle winter-ready before the snow hits. Whether it’s your daily driver or your weekend mountain rig, we’ll help you drive with confidence this season.

📍 2101 Wolf Ct, Monument, CO
📞 (719) 495-4508
🌐 trilakesservicecenter.com