Is My Car Ready for Winter?
Winter in the Midwest doesn’t tiptoe in quietly — it shows up with harsh cold winds, icy mornings, and snow. At Mad Hatter Auto Repair, we’re here to help you stay safe, warm, and confidently cruising through the chilly months.
A little prep now means fewer surprises later. Here’s our friendly, simple guide to keep your vehicle winter-ready.
Brakes & ABS -- Your Snow-Day Stopping Power
When the roads get slick, strong brakes matter more than ever. Your Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps prevent skidding, allowing you to maintain steering control even when braking hard.
What ABS Does
- Pumps the brakes super fast during a hard stop
- Helps your tires keep gripping the road
- Reduces skidding
- Helps you steer instead of sliding
Good brakes equals better control of your vehicle. And when you're on icy roads, control is everything.. When you bring your car, truck, or SUV into Mad Hatter Auto Repair to have your brakes inspected, we check the brake pads and rotors, evaluate the quality of your brake fluid, and make sure that all ABS sensors and wiring is satisfactory.
Heat & Coolant -- Keeping You (and Your Engine) Cozy
Your heater works because your coolant system works. If coolant is low, dirty, or leaking, you'll notice it quickly during the winter. You might experience:
- Weak or cold heat from vents
- Overheating (yes, even in winter!)
- One side warm, the other side cold
A reliable heating system isn't just a comfort item -- it's a safety issue. At Mad Hatter, our comprehensive inspection of your heating and cooling system will check coolant levels and conditions, look for leaks, pH levels of your coolant (if it's too acidic it will cause corrosion), and inspect the heater core and all related hoses.
Battery and Starting System -- Will Your Car Start Tomorrow Morning?
Cold weather drains battery power, and even an "OK" battery in the summer can fail in the winter. The Mad Hatter team is here to make sure your vehicle starts promptly with every turn of the ignition. Our starting system inspection will check the battery CCA (cold cranking amps), how well the battery holds its charge, health of the starter motor, and the charging output of the alternator. If all of these systems aren't working together, you're at risk of a no-start on the coldest days.
Tires and Traction -- The Grip That Keeps You Going
Ice, snow, and other harsh winter driving conditions demand your vehicle have good tires. Worn tread or tires with low air pressure can turn a simple drive into a slippery adventure that you do not want. We will inspect your tread depth and tire wear patterns, make sure your tires have adequate air pressure, and check all of the suspension parts that affect the stability of your car. Maintaining strong traction on the road is the key to safer stops, safer turns, and safer winter driving.
Build Your Winter Safety Kit -- A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
if you ever get stuck or stranded, having a few essentionals can make a huge difference while you wait for assistance.
Pack These in Your Car
- Warm blanket
- Hand warmers
- A few bottles of water
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Candle & matches
- Phone charger or power bank
- Small shovel
It's a good idea to keep these in your vehicle year-round, but during the harsh winters, these simple items will help keep you safe, warm, and prepared until help arrives.
Why Winter Prep Matters
In the summer, waiting outside is uncomfortable.
In the winter, it can be dangerous.
The weather in Omaha, NE changes fast. It can be sunny one minute and icy the next. Preparing your car now helps prevent breakdowns, improves safety, and keeps your family protected during the coldest months of the year.
$149.99 Winter Inspection Special
Right now you can make sure you are ready to tackle the harsh driving conditions the winter brings by having the team at Mad Hatter conduct a winter inspection of your vehicle. This inspection will check everything that the winter months can affect on a car: brakes, battery and alternator, starter, heating & cooling system, tires, suspension, fluids, and a check to make sure you have adequate winter safety essentials. All for the low price of $149.99!
Stay safe. Stay warm. Stay wonderfully winter-ready -- the Mad Hatter way!
In Omaha, call (402) 330-2286 and in Council Bluffs, IA, call (712) 322-7500. Or click HERE to schedule an appointment right from our website!