Muffler Man shares winter car maintenance tips for Michigan drivers

Muffler Man of Portage is urging Michigan drivers to prep vehicles for snow, ice and freezing temperatures as winter approaches. The guidance focuses on batteries, tires, fluids and brakes, backed by national safety data showing a spike in cold-weather breakdowns and crashes.

Why it matters: - Winter weather can turn small car problems into breakdowns, especially when snow, ice and freezing temperatures stress batteries, tires and fluids. - National crash data cited in the release shows roughly 1,300 deaths and 116,000 injuries each year on snowy or icy pavement. - Roadside assistance calls also rise in winter, with dead batteries and tire issues among the leading causes. - Preventive maintenance can reduce the chance of getting stranded during storms and can lower the odds of avoidable repairs later.

What happened: - Muffler Man, an auto repair shop in Portage, Michigan, released winter car maintenance tips for drivers preparing for the coldest months. - The guidance is aimed at helping Michigan drivers stay safer during snow, ice and sustained low temperatures. - The shop operates in Portage and serves drivers in the surrounding area.

The details: - The winter checklist includes battery testing, especially for batteries older than three years. - Tire pressure and tread depth should be checked because cold air lowers tire pressure and worn tread reduces traction. - Drivers should review fluid levels, including oil, coolant and winter-grade washer fluid. - Wiper blades and defrosters should be checked to preserve visibility during storms. - Brakes should be inspected because icy roads increase stopping distance. - Headlights, tail lights and turn signals should be checked before winter driving. - Cold temperatures can reduce a battery's starting power by about a third. - Batteries older than three years are more likely to fail in freezing conditions. - Tire tread wear remains a major winter safety issue because reduced grip increases skidding risk. - Tire services in Portage, including pressure checks, tread inspections and replacements, are among the most requested colder-weather services, according to regional auto repair shops. - Engine diagnostics in Portage are used to catch problems with batteries, belts and fluid systems before a breakdown. - Brake repair services are also commonly requested in winter because worn components make icy-road stopping risks worse. - AAA advises drivers not to let a gas tank fall below a quarter tank during winter weather. - Weather forecasting agencies note that Michigan winters vary by region, with lake-effect snow adding unpredictability in western Michigan. - Portage and Kalamazoo County typically see snow, ice and freezing temperatures from December through March. - Fluctuating temperatures in the region can cause tire pressure to swing more than in milder climates.

Between the lines: - The release frames winter prep as a timing issue, not just a repair issue: maintenance done before storms is easier and less risky than fixing problems after a breakdown. - The focus on batteries, tires and brakes matches the parts most exposed to cold-weather strain and the services local shops say they see most often. - The broader message is that older vehicles and aging components are most vulnerable when temperatures drop.

What's next: - Transportation and automotive groups expect winter service demand to follow the usual seasonal pattern tied to colder temperatures and storms. - Demand for inspections and preventive maintenance is likely to rise ahead of the first major cold snap and stay elevated through the season. - Muffler Man says it offers full car inspections, tire services, engine diagnostics and brake repair for winter preparation. - Drivers can contact the shop at (269) 220-3990 or visit the company's website.

The bottom line: - Michigan drivers who check batteries, tires, fluids and brakes before the first major storm are less likely to face winter breakdowns.