Service | St. Louis, MO
A few checks now save you a lot of trouble on the first icy morning.
St. Louis winters don’t give much notice. A mild week can turn into freezing rain overnight, and the vehicles that cope best are the ones that were checked early.
This checklist walks through the parts of your Ford that matter most in cold weather. Go through it in the fall, and book a service visit for anything you aren’t sure about.
Quick answer: Check your battery, tires, brakes, wipers, fluids and lights before the first freeze, and pack a small emergency kit. A service visit can cover the technical items in one stop.
Test first
Battery and charging system
Check often
Tire pressure and tread
Pack
Blanket, flashlight and scraper
In this post
Battery and Charging System
Cold makes a weak battery fail. Have it tested before winter, along with the charging system. If it’s showing its age, replace it on your schedule, not on the side of the road.
Clean any corrosion from the terminals and make sure the cables are tight.
Tires
Tires are your most important winter safety item. Check tread depth and pressure, and remember that pressure drops as temperatures fall.
If you drive in snow often, consider winter or all-weather tires. Ask our team what fits your vehicle and driving.
Brakes
Have the pads, rotors and fluid inspected. Wet, icy roads put more demand on your brakes, and weak ones show up quickly.
Listen for squealing or grinding and notice any pulling or vibration. Those are reasons to get them checked sooner.
St. Louis driver tip: Keep at least a half tank of fuel in winter. It helps prevent moisture in the tank and gives you a buffer if you get stuck.
Schedule Service
See Service Specials
Wipers, Washer Fluid and Lights
Replace worn wiper blades and fill the reservoir with winter washer fluid that resists freezing. Visibility is half the battle.
Check headlights, taillights and turn signals. Short days mean you use them more.
Fluids and Heating
Make sure the coolant, oil and other fluids are at the right levels and appropriate for the season. A weak heater or defroster is worth looking at before you need it.
Our technicians can check all of this in one visit.
Emergency Kit
Keep a blanket, gloves, a flashlight, a scraper, a phone charger and some water in the vehicle. Add a small shovel and some traction material if you drive in rural areas.
Know where your jack and spare are and how to use them. Check them in the fall, not in a storm.
Prefer we come to you
Mobile Service handles many winter checks at your location.
Battery and Tires
When should I test my battery?
Before the first freeze. A quick test shows how strong it is.
Do I need winter tires?
They help in snow and cold. All-weather tires are another option.
How often should I check tire pressure?
Check it regularly in winter, since cold air lowers pressure.
Brakes and Visibility
How do I know my brakes need attention?
Squealing, grinding, pulling or a soft pedal are signs.
Should I use winter washer fluid?
Yes. It resists freezing and keeps the windshield clear.
When should I replace wiper blades?
When they streak, chatter or leave gaps.
Fluids and Heating
Do I need to change my oil for winter?
Follow your owner’s manual. Ask our team about the right oil for your Ford.
What if my heater is weak?
Have it inspected before cold weather arrives.
How do I check coolant?
Our technicians can check level and condition in one visit.
Emergency Prep
What goes in a winter kit?
A blanket, gloves, a flashlight, a scraper, a charger and water.
Should I keep fuel up?
A half tank or more is a good habit in winter.
What if I get stuck?
Stay with the vehicle and call for help.
Service Options
Where do I schedule a winter check?
Use our service appointment page.
Can you come to me?
Mobile Service handles many routine items. Ask our team.
Do you offer service specials?
Check our service specials page for current offers.
