Stay Safe This Winter: Proven INFINITI Care Tips from Winston-Salem Experts

October 14th, 2025 by

Winter conditions can challenge your vehicle’s performance and safety, especially here in the Winston-Salem area and nearby communities like Kernersville, Lewisville, and Clemmons. Keeping your car well-maintained during the colder months ensures reliability, prevents costly repairs, and offers peace of mind on icy or snowy roads. At 1500 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, our Modern INFINITI experts are ready to help you prepare your vehicle for winter’s challenges. Feel free to call us at (336) 767-7800 for personalized advice or to schedule vehicle service at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem.

Table of Contents

Winter Maintenance Basics: Key Areas to Inspect and Service

Maintaining your vehicle during winter requires a proactive approach to several vital systems. Harsh weather can affect your battery performance, tire grip, fluid effectiveness, and overall vehicle safety. This is especially true in regions like Lexington, Linwood, and Advance, where temperatures can drop below freezing and road conditions may vary.

First and foremost, your vehicle’s battery is critical. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency by slowing chemical reactions inside it, which impacts its ability to start your engine. Battery health should be tested regularly, especially if it is over three years old. At Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, our technicians recommend checking terminals for corrosion and ensuring a secure connection. For vehicles that remain stationary for extended periods, using a battery maintainer or charger can prevent unexpected failures.

Your tires also play an essential role in winter safety. Cold air causes tire pressure to drop, sometimes by several PSI, which can reduce traction and increase wear. Checking tire pressure monthly is a best practice, and using the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure—typically found on the driver’s door frame—is crucial. For areas prone to ice and snow like Rural Hall or King, switching to dedicated winter tires provides improved grip thanks to specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns designed for cold conditions. While all-weather tires may suffice for milder winters, winter tires are recommended for drivers who regularly encounter snow or black ice.

Fluid levels deserve particular attention as well. Antifreeze/coolant should be maintained at the correct concentration to prevent freezing and protect your engine. Additionally, using winter-specific windshield washer fluid with antifreeze properties ensures clear visibility during snow or sleet. Oil viscosity also matters; colder weather calls for oils that maintain proper flow at low temperatures, such as synthetic or winter-grade oils, to ensure engine lubrication starts efficiently.

Winter maintenance also involves inspecting wiper blades, brake pads, and ensuring your vehicle’s heater and defrosters function correctly. Clean headlights and taillights are essential for visibility during shorter daylight hours and inclement weather, and a thorough car wash after exposure to road salt can protect your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage from corrosion.

For comprehensive winter vehicle inspections or to purchase genuine parts, visit our parts department at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem. Our certified technicians can assist with all necessary maintenance to keep your vehicle operating safely throughout the cold season.

Starting Your Car in Cold Weather: Frequency and Best Practices

Many drivers in communities such as Walkertown, Mint Hill, and Coventry wonder how often they should start their vehicle during winter, especially if it remains parked for days at a time. The notion that cars must be started daily to avoid damage is outdated thanks to modern automotive advancements, but there are important guidelines to follow.

For vehicles used regularly, such as daily commutes in Winston-Salem or Lexington, frequent starting is naturally integrated into routine. Regular driving keeps the battery charged, circulating vital fluids, and maintains the engine at optimal operating temperatures. However, if your vehicle sits idle for extended stretches, it’s advisable to start it at least once a week. Running the engine for about 10 to 15 minutes helps circulate oil, warms up the engine, and maintains battery charge.

In particularly harsh cold snaps, especially in areas like Yadkinville or Thomasville where temperatures may plummet, starting your car every few days is beneficial. This frequency helps prevent battery drain and reduces the risk of fluids freezing or thickening. It also allows your vehicle’s heating system to maintain interior comfort and defrost visibility surfaces.

While idling your vehicle to warm it up is common, it’s more efficient and environmentally responsible to start driving gently after a brief warm-up period rather than idling for long durations. This approach rapidly brings the engine to its ideal temperature while minimizing emissions and fuel consumption.

For INFINITI owners, utilizing the INFINITI Roadside Assistance program is invaluable if you encounter starting difficulties or breakdowns related to cold weather. INFINITI Roadside Assistance offers manufacturer-backed service with genuine parts and authorized service centers, ensuring your vehicle receives expert care. You can reach INFINITI Roadside Assistance at INFINITI Roadside Assistance: 800-662-6200.

Winterizing Your INFINITI: Steps to Enhance Performance and Safety

Winterizing your INFINITI vehicle involves a series of preventative maintenance steps designed to protect your car from the challenges posed by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Residents in Covington, Mocksville, and Rural Hall benefit greatly from early winter preparation to avoid common seasonal issues.

Start by inspecting and topping off your cooling system and antifreeze. Proper coolant levels and the correct antifreeze mix prevent engine block freezing and overheating. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual for exact specifications, or let our technicians perform a detailed inspection.

Next, focus on your tires. If you drive frequently in icy patches or snowy roads around Lewisville or Kernersville, winter tires with specialized tread designs provide superior traction. If your daily routes are mostly clear, high-quality all-season tires with good tread depth may suffice.

Examine your wiper blades and replace them with winter-grade versions if necessary to ensure visibility during snow and sleet. Use washer fluid formulated for freezing temperatures to avoid nozzle blockages.

Checking brake pads and brake fluid is critical; winter conditions demand responsive braking on slick surfaces. Our technicians recommend inspecting brake components during your winter service.

Oil changes with winter-appropriate engine oil improve cold starting and lubrication. Thinner viscosity oils flow better in cold weather, reducing engine wear during the initial start-up.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups and ensure you have enough fuel if stranded during inclement weather. For hybrid or electric INFINITI models, maintaining optimal battery charge levels and possibly plugging in overnight during cold spells helps battery longevity and performance.

Regularly washing your vehicle to remove road salt and applying wax protects your car’s paint and body from corrosion. Winter floor mats can also safeguard your interior from moisture and salt damage.

Our team at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem is ready to assist with all winterization needs. You can schedule vehicle service at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem conveniently online, ensuring your INFINITI stays in peak condition through the season.

Local Service and Parts Support at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem

For drivers in Grandview Crossing, Thomasville, and Tobaccoville, having a trusted local service center is vital during winter months. Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem provides comprehensive maintenance and repair services tailored to INFINITI vehicles, staffed by factory-trained technicians familiar with the nuances of your car.

Our parts department at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem ensures the availability of genuine INFINITI parts, from batteries to wiper blades and engine components, which are designed to perform optimally under winter conditions. Using authentic parts helps maintain your vehicle’s warranty coverage and reliability.

If you’re considering an upgrade or replacement, explore our new vehicles for sale at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem or browse our used vehicles for sale at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, many of which have been prepared for winter driving challenges. Our dealership offers tailored guidance to match you with a vehicle suited to your lifestyle and local climate requirements.

Ready to prepare your vehicle for winter? Discover the value of your current car with our easy-to-use tool to value your trade-in at Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, and speak with our team about your options.

Confidence in Pre-Owned Vehicles: Winter-Ready Options at Modern INFINITI

Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle during winter months can be daunting without assurance of its condition and reliability. Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem alleviates this concern through our SmartBuy Pre-Owned Vehicles program, designed to offer “Confidence Comes Standard” to our customers in areas like Lexington, Linwood, and Clemmons.

Each SmartBuy vehicle undergoes a thorough 150-point quality assurance inspection, focusing on critical systems affected by winter weather, including battery health, brakes, tires, and heating systems. Our pre-owned vehicles come with a CARFAX vehicle history report, professional reconditioning, and an exclusive Modern warranty for added peace of mind.

We also provide a 3-Day/300 Mile Vehicle Exchange Program, allowing you to swap your vehicle if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Additional benefits include complimentary NC State Inspections for life, a full tank of gas upon delivery, and free rental cars for warranty-covered repairs. For drivers who prioritize reliability and value during winter, this program offers unmatched support and confidence.

We appreciate you taking the time today to visit our website. Our goal is to provide you with an interactive experience exploring our new and used INFINITI inventory, scheduling service appointments, or obtaining a vehicle quote. At Modern INFINITI of Winston-Salem, we are dedicated to serving you with the highest quality vehicles suited to your lifestyle needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions; our team is eager to assist promptly.

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Posted in INFINITI Service