Get Your Vehicle Cold Weather Ready

In Iowa, October isn’t just about pumpkin patches and harvest festivals, it’s the start of the seasonal shift into winter. As temperatures drop and the first frost rolls in, now is the time to make sure your cars and trucks are up for the challenge. Whether you drive a diesel pickup, a gas-powered vehicle, or a heavy-duty work truck, cold weather can strain every system.

At Beyer Motorsports in Cedar Falls, we help our customers winterize their vehicles the right way. Here are the most important things to check before winter arrives.

1. Test or Replace Your Battery

Your battery is one of the first things to fail in cold weather. Summer heat already weakens it, and cold temperatures make it harder to crank your engine.

Signs it’s time to test or replace:

• Slow starts in the morning
• Battery is over 3 years old
• Flickering lights or dim displays

What to do: Let us perform a battery load test. If it’s underperforming, we’ll recommend a cold-cranking-amp (CCA) rated replacement suitable for Iowa winters.

2. Check Coolant and Freeze Protection

Coolant (antifreeze) does more than prevent overheating, it also keeps your engine block from freezing. Old or diluted coolant can crack your engine in extreme temps.

What to do: We’ll test your coolant’s freeze point and flush the system if needed. Make sure your coolant mixture is winter-safe.

3. Inspect Heater and Defrost Systems

You need more than a warm cab to survive Iowa winters. Your defrost system keeps your windshield clear, and your heating system ensures visibility and safety.

What to do: We’ll inspect your blower motor, thermostat, heater core, and cabin filters to ensure proper airflow and function.

4. Evaluate Your Tires

Tires lose pressure in cold weather, and worn tread makes icy roads dangerous.

What to do: Check your tire pressure and tread depth. We’ll inspect for uneven wear, alignment issues, and help determine if winter tires are right for your vehicle.

5. Inspect Belts, Hoses, and Fluids

Rubber components get brittle in the cold, leading to cracks and leaks. Old or low-quality fluids also thicken in freezing temps.

What to do: We’ll check all belts and hoses for wear, and make sure your oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are ready for winter.

6. Diesel-Specific Prep: Glow Plugs and Fuel Treatment

Cold starts are especially tough on diesel trucks.

What to do: We’ll test your glow plugs and recommend a winter fuel treatment to prevent diesel gelling in sub-zero temps.

Schedule Your Winter Prep Inspection Today

Don’t wait until the first snowstorm or bitter cold snap to get your truck ready.

Schedule your winter preventative maintenance appointment with Beyer Motorsports in Cedar Falls and hit the road with confidence this season. Whether you’re managing a fleet or just getting your daily driver through the cold months, we’re here to help.