5 Essential Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Car or Truck (+ Bonus Tips!)

As the magical winter months approach, it's crucial to ensure your car or truck is ready to handle the unique challenges that come with the season. Even if we don't experience heavy snowfall here in Georgia, the crisp winter air and unpredictable weather can still take a toll on your vehicle. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to help you avoid any unpleasant surprises and keep your car running smoothly throughout the winter. Here are five essential winter maintenance tips to keep in mind, plus some bonus tips for extra preparation!

1. Keep Your Car Clean:

While snow may be a rare sight in Georgia, here are a few steps to remember when we do see the white fluffy stuff. The harsh winter elements combined with road salt can damage your car's paint and even lead to rust if left unchecked. Make sure to wash your vehicle thoroughly after any snow scare where salt may have been applied to the roads. This will help to protect the exterior and keep it looking its best. Don't forget to also clean the undercarriage, as salt and other winter debris can accumulate and cause damage over time.

2. Upgrade Your Wiper Blades:

Being prepared for unexpected weather is key during the winter season. Swapping out your old wiper blades for new, winter-ready ones will ensure better visibility when snow or heavy rain suddenly strikes. Don't let Mother Nature catch you off guard – equip your car with the right tools to handle any situation.

3. Test Your Battery:

Cold weather can be particularly hard on your car's battery. A weak battery that manages to survive the summer may not fare as well during the winter months. To avoid those frustrating mornings when your car won’t start, have your battery tested as the temperature begins to drop. If necessary, replace it before the heart of winter arrives, ensuring reliable starts all season long. It's also a good idea to keep jumper cables in your car, just in case you or someone else needs a jump-start.

4. Inspect Your Heating System:

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm car after braving the icy outdoor air. Even in Georgia, winter temperatures can plummet, making your car's heater an essential feature. Take a moment to check that your heater and defroster are working properly by turning them on and feeling for warm air. A functioning heating system will make all the difference in keeping you comfortable during your winter commutes. Don’t forget to also check your coolant levels, as a proper antifreeze/water mixture helps protect your engine from freezing temperatures.

5. Schedule a Winter Check-Up:

To give you added peace of mind, consider scheduling a winter check-up with the experts at Team Ryan Automotive. Our skilled technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, ensuring that all essential components are in top shape for the winter months ahead. From checking your tire pressure to testing your battery, we’ll make sure your car is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way. We can also help with other winter preparations, such as checking your brakes, inspecting your belts and hoses, and ensuring your oil is the correct viscosity for the colder temperatures.

Bonus Tips:

Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated for better traction on slippery roads.
Always allow extra time for your car to warm up before driving in cold weather to prevent unnecessary strain on the engine.

At Team Ryan Automotive, our goal is to keep your car or truck running at its best, no matter the season. By following these five essential winter maintenance tips and bonus tips, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy a worry-free winter on the road. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of the colder months. If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our website at teamryanautomotive.com. We’re here to help you navigate the winter months with confidence and keep your car in top shape all year round. Stay safe and warm out there!

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A Monument to Excellence: Phillip Beard Stadium Opens in Buford

By Shara Ryan • July 28, 2025

As Buford Highschool Football Sponsors, Team Ryan Automotive had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Phillip Beard Stadium. It was a milestone moment not only for Buford City Schools but for the entire Buford community. The heat was no joke, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. As Phillip Beard himself remarked: “It’s hot out here!” But the sun didn’t stop the celebration or the community pride from showing up in full force. Joined by Georgia's Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, school board members, and other dignitaries, this event was as much about celebrating legacy as it was about looking ahead. “This is a place where we can bring our community together and celebrate our students,” said Dr. Amy Chafin, Buford’s new superintendent, during her remarks. “It’s about our athletes, our band, our cheerleaders - it’s about everyone.” ( AJC ) At Team Ryan Automotive, we remain committed to supporting our community, investing in it now and for the future. We were honored to be part of an event that truly brought Buford together. Serving all communities for Buford and Cumming, GA.

Standing with the Wolves: Team Ryan Automotive Sponsoring Buford Football’s Stadium Journey

By Shara Ryan • July 25, 2025

Team Ryan Automotive is a proud sponsor of Buford Football, and we’re honored to support the new Phillip Beard Stadium. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Sunday, July 27 at 2 PM, marking the kickoff of a new era for the Wolves 🐺 As a family-owned business rooted in the community, we love cheering on our local high school, and this new stadium is truly something special. We’re proud to stand alongside our neighbors, the coaching staff, and these student-athletes who make our town proud. Join us in supporting Buford!

How Georgia Heat Affects Your Car Battery

By Dan Ryan • July 22, 2025

Summer Battery Tips from Team Ryan Automotive in Buford and Cumming When most drivers think of car battery issues, they often picture cold winter mornings. But in Georgia, the summer heat can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery . In fact, hot weather is one of the leading causes of battery failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, with locations in Buford and Cumming , we want you to stay prepared and safe through every season. Let’s take a closer look at how heat affects your battery and what you can do to prevent a sudden breakdown this summer. Why Heat is Harder on Your Battery Than Cold Although cold weather can make starting your car more difficult, summer heat is what causes the most long-term battery damage. Here’s why: High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate Heat speeds up corrosion inside the battery Excessive heat leads to internal breakdown of battery components Overworked air conditioning systems increase strain on the electrical system The result is a battery that wears out faster and can fail without warning. Common Signs of a Weak or Failing Battery Before your battery quits completely, it may show subtle signs of trouble. Watch for: Slow or sluggish engine start Dim headlights or dashboard lights Clicking sounds when turning the key Electrical accessories behaving erratically Dashboard battery warning light If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a quick battery test with Team Ryan Automotive in Buford or Cumming. It only takes a few minutes to know whether your battery is strong enough for the summer heat. What You Can Do to Extend Battery Life Protecting your battery during the summer is easier than you think. Here are a few simple steps that make a big difference: Park in shaded areas or use a windshield sunshade to reduce cabin heat Keep your battery clean and corrosion free Turn off electronics before shutting off your engine Limit short trips that prevent full battery recharging Schedule regular maintenance with a trusted local shop At Team Ryan Automotive, our technicians inspect battery condition and charging system performance as part of our Summer Safety Inspection. Free Battery Testing at Team Ryan Automotive Not sure about the health of your battery? Our ASE certified team offers free battery checks at both our Buford and Cumming locations. We will assess voltage, cold cranking amps, and overall battery health so you can drive with confidence. If your battery needs to be replaced, we carry trusted brands that perform well in Georgia’s extreme summer heat. Stay Powered All Summer Long Don’t let a worn-out battery leave you stranded in the heat. Stop by Team Ryan Automotive in Buford or Cumming and let our expert team make sure your battery is ready for the road ahead. Schedule your Summer Safety Inspection or free battery check today and drive into the season with peace of mind. Team Ryan Automotive is your local source for trusted car care and dependable service. Your safety starts with being prepared, and we are here to help every step of the way.