5 Simple Ways To Get Your Car Ready for Winter

November 29, 2022 · 4 min read

For the majority of the year, driving conditions are pretty tepid. But the true test of your integrity as a car owner, and the quality of your car comes during the winter months. This is when you can truly get punished for not taking care of your car unless you take care of the necessary winter car prep. Between harsh winter weather and the toll the cold, ice, snow, and salt can take, you really have to step up your winter car care game to get your vehicle winter ready.

We don’t want to see you or your car on the side of the road this winter season. The best way to avoid any issues is to make sure your car is ready to take on whatever the next few months have in store. So before things get really rough, here are 5 simple winter car care tips that will help you and your car be ready for the colder months ahead.

Juice Up Your Battery

Having to wait for a jump in the middle of the cold and possibly snow is up there with the worst things to happen in winter. If you don’t check your battery before the cold weather sets in, you’re really taking a gamble. The extreme cold that we tend to see can make it difficult for your battery to operate. And the last thing you want is to come back to your car left in a cold parking lot and find it dead leaving you with no heat. The best advice you’ll get today is to get a volt test on your battery now. This will tell you what the health of your battery looks like and whether or not you should invest in a new battery.

Maintain Your Tires

When it comes to driving in winter, the quality of your tires is paramount. But it’s not just about what kind of tires you have but keeping an eye on your tire pressure as well. Investing in winter tires or all-season tires is a great idea and one we highly recommend. You want something that you can rely on for snow, rain, mud, and anything else you may encounter this year. However, something that gets overlooked often is tire pressure. As the air gets colder, tire pressure can drop up to one pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and make sure you fill them if they are looking low.

Check Your Fluids

Every fluid in your car is going to help it perform the best it can during the colder months. For this reason, it’s very important that all of your fluid levels are good and fresh. Change your oil and filters if it’s coming near time, flush and refill your coolant/antifreeze, and fill your windshield wiper fluid. Doing all of these now will ensure that your car works the way it should even when temperatures drop.

Wash Your Car

This may seem like a weird thing to do, but it’s surprisingly important. However, this is something that you should do throughout the winter months. As more snow hits the roads, the county will salt those roads in an effort to keep them as clear as possible. But that salt will also end up on your car, especially all over your undercarriage. While the salt really helps the roads, it can wreak havoc on your car and cause rust. That is unless you give it a good wash after a big snow. Both an automatic and manual wash will work, as long as you can hit your undercarriage well.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Everything is all fun and games until your car dies in the middle of a snowstorm. Whether you slid on ice or something happened with your engine, or maybe even ran out of gas, having an emergency kit may just save your life. Depending on the weather and where you are, you definitely need to be prepared for anything. Here are some things you should have packed:

First-aid kit
Jumper cables
Snow brush and ice scraper
Flares
Multi-tool with a knife
Portable charger
Air pump
Shovel
Cat litter or sand
Candle and lighter
Thermal blanket
Snacks and water

Stay Safe Out There

Winter can be a crazy time, but making your vehicle winter ready ahead of time can go a long way. These are just a couple of things you can do, but there’s always more. Do your research and talk with our fantastic service technicians about what you should have done before the colder months are on top of us. Be smart and stay safe this holiday season!

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A service technician posing with his tools next to a tire

Sep 18, 2025 in Clarksville, TN Kia Dealer

Fall Car Care Tips: Get Your Kia Ready for the Season

As the leaves change and temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the road ahead. Fall weather can bring unpredictable driving conditions, making it essential to stay on top of routine maintenance. If you're searching for “ Kia service near me,” don’t miss out on current Kia service specials at Wyatt Johnson Kia to help you save on essential services this season. more Why Fall Vehicle Maintenance Matters Fall is the transition period between summer heat and winter cold. It’s the ideal time to catch up on maintenance tasks that protect your vehicle and keep you safe on the road—especially before winter sets in. Essential Fall Car Care Tips Follow these tips to ensure your Kia is running smoothly all season long: 1. Check Your Battery Cold weather can weaken your battery, and fall is a great time to test it. Inspect for corrosion on terminals Ensure secure cable connections Replace if the battery is more than 3–5 years old Let your local Kia service center test its performance 2. Replace Wiper Blades & Refill Washer Fluid Fallen leaves, rain, and early frost can impact visibility. Replace wiper blades if they streak or squeak Top off with cold-weather windshield washer fluid Check the wiper motor for proper operation 3. Inspect Heating and Defrosting Systems A working heater and defroster are crucial for comfort and safety. Test both front and rear defrosters Check for weak airflow or unusual smells Book car repair near Nashville if issues arise 4. Examine Tires for Wear and Pressure Cooler temperatures can lower tire pressure, affecting traction and fuel efficiency. Inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear Check tire pressure weekly as temperatures drop Rotate tires if it’s been more than 6,000 miles Consider scheduling with a trusted Kia service center for a full tire check 5. Change Oil and Check Fluids Fall is a great time to catch up on fluid checks and oil changes. Check oil level and color Inspect brake, transmission, and coolant levels Schedule service at a certified Kia center near you Bonus Tip: Schedule a Professional Multi-Point Inspection Let trained technicians inspect your Kia’s key systems before cold weather hits. At Wyatt Johnson Kia, we’re proud to offer expert service, great deals, and a reputation for reliability. Our team is ready to provide everything from basic maintenance to car repair near Nashville. To get directions, hours, or connect with our team directly, visit our contact page. Stay Ahead of Fall with Trusted Kia Care Seasonal maintenance is key to prolonging your vehicle’s life and ensuring your safety. Whether you're due for an oil change, tire service, or heating system check, our certified technicians are here to help. Don't wait for winter to sneak up—take advantage of our Kia service specials and schedule your appointment today at Wyatt Johnson Kia—your go-to destination for Kia service near me this fall.

Jun 23, 2023 in Clarksville, TN Kia Service

Road Tripping This Summer? Do These Five Things First To Get Your Car Prepared!

This summer is the perfect time for a memorable road trip adventure with family and friends. Before you hit the open road, it's essential to ensure that your vehicle is in top shape for a smooth and worry-free journey. Learn about the five things to do to make sure your car is prepared for a memorable summer and then have our expert technicians at Wyatt Johnson Kia's Service Center take care of the rest! Schedule a Comprehensive Inspection: Start by scheduling a thorough inspection with your trusted dealership or mechanic. They will check key components such as the brakes, tires, suspension, fluid levels, belts, and hoses. Addressing any potential issues beforehand will help prevent breakdowns and ensure your car performs optimally throughout your trip. Did you know that our Kia Express Service includes all of your service essentials, including a multi-point inspection, in 60 minutes or less? Check the Tires: Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe and efficient travel. Inspect the tire tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear, bulges, or cracks. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Don't forget to include the spare tire in your inspection and ensure it's in good condition. Well-maintained tires will enhance fuel efficiency, handling, and overall road safety. Visit our Kia Tire Center to get your tires right! Fluid Levels and Oil Change: Check and top up all essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If it's close to your next scheduled oil change, it's a good idea to get it done before your road trip. Fresh oil will keep your engine running smoothly and protect it from excessive wear during the long hours on the road. Learn more about about the difference between conventional and synthetic oil and which one would work best for your car! Test the Battery: The last thing you want is a dead battery in the middle of your adventure. Have your battery tested to ensure it's in good condition and has enough charge. Extreme temperatures can strain the battery, so it's especially important to check it before embarking on a summer road trip. If the battery is old or showing signs of weakness, consider replacing it to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Seeing the battery light or any other light on your dashboard? Read our guide on what your dashboard lights mean! Ensure You Have The Emergency Essentials: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit to have on hand in case of unforeseen circumstances. Include items such as a spare tire, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, basic tools, emergency contact numbers, and a roadside assistance membership card. Having these essentials readily available will give you peace of mind and help you handle unexpected situations efficiently. Conclusion By taking the time to get your car prepared before your summer road trip, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone involved. The best way to make sure you're ready to go? Schedule a service appointment at Wyatt Johnson Kia near Nashville and even save big with our service specials. So, buckle up, hit the road, and create lasting memories on your summer adventure!

Learn about the dashboard warning lights in your car and what they mean
from Wyatt Johnson Kia.

Apr 28, 2023 in Clarksville, TN Kia Dealer

Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights

As a car owner, you've probably seen many of the different dashboard warning lights that can appear on your car's dashboard. These warning lights are essential because they alert you when there is an issue with your vehicle, such as a malfunction or low fluids. Knowing what each of these warning lights means can help you take the necessary actions to keep your car running smoothly. We'll go over what they mean and what steps to take next, whether it's something simple you can do or you need to stop by our Wyatt Johnson Kia Service Center for more assistance. Check Engine Light The check engine light is one of the most common warning lights that you will see on your dashboard. It indicates that there is an issue with the engine, and it can be caused by various factors such as a faulty sensor or a malfunctioning part. If this light comes on, you should have your car checked by a professional mechanic to determine the problem. Oil Pressure Light The oil pressure light indicates that the oil pressure in your car's engine is low. If this light comes on, you should immediately check your oil level and add more if necessary. If the light remains on, it could indicate a more severe issue that requires professional attention. Battery Light The battery light indicates that there is an issue with the car's charging system, such as a faulty alternator or a dead battery. If this light comes on, be sure to get to a service center you trust to better assess what is going on. Brake Warning Light The brake warning light indicates that there is an issue with the brakes, such as low brake fluid levels or worn brake pads. If this light comes on, you should have your brakes checked immediately, as this can affect your car's overall safety. Tire Pressure Light The tire pressure light indicates that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. You should check the tire pressure of all your tires and inflate them to the recommended level. If the light remains on, it could indicate a more severe issue with your car's tire pressure monitoring system, or you may have a soon-to-be flat tire. Conclusion Knowing what each of these warning lights means can help you take the necessary actions to keep your car running smoothly. If you see any of these warning lights on your dashboard, it's important to never ignore them. Instead, take the appropriate action to address the issue and keep your car in good condition. When you need service you can trust, schedule an appointment with Wyatt Johnson Kia here in Clarksville and let our expert technicians take care of the rest. Contact us today if you're in need of service near Nashville.