Is your Mercedes-Benz or BMW ready to take on Wisconsin’s brutal winter? Freezing temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snowfall can challenge even the most advanced vehicles. Without proper winter car maintenance, your car’s performance, safety, and reliability could suffer.
At NexGen Automotive in Sheboygan, we specialize in servicing European luxury vehicles, ensuring they are well-equipped for the cold months ahead. Our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to provide expert care, all backed by a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.
Why Winterizing Your Mercedes or BMW Matters
German-engineered vehicles are built for performance, but winter conditions can significantly impact their reliability and safety.
Cold weather puts extra strain on your battery, making it harder for your car to start. Tires lose grip on icy roads, affecting control and braking distance. Frigid temperatures thicken fluids, reducing engine and transmission efficiency. Road salt and moisture accelerate brake wear, while poor visibility from snow and ice increases the risk of accidents.
Taking the time to follow a winter car maintenance checklist ensures a smoother, safer driving experience and helps you avoid costly repairs. Here’s how you can prepare.
1. Check Your Battery Before Temperatures Drop
Have you ever tried to start your car on a freezing morning, only to find the battery dead? Cold temperatures drain battery power, often leaving drivers stranded when they least expect it.
Our winter battery check includes:
- Battery health testing to ensure a strong charge
- Voltage and charging system analysis using advanced diagnostics
- Replacement recommendations if your battery is over three years old
Pro Tip: Keep jumper cables in your trunk or invest in a portable jump starter for emergencies.
2. Install Winter Tires for Safer Handling
Your luxury vehicle’s precision handling is only as good as the tires it’s riding on. All-season tires lose flexibility in extreme cold, reducing their ability to grip the road.
Winter tires stay softer in low temperatures, improving traction on snow and ice. Even with xDrive (BMW) or 4MATIC (Mercedes-Benz) all-wheel drive, winter tires significantly enhance stability.
Our team offers winter tire installation and alignment using the Snap-On John Bean V3300 system, ensuring even tread wear and better control.
Did You Know? Winter tires can improve braking distances by up to 30% on icy roads compared to all-season tires.
3. Use Cold-Weather Fluids to Protect Your Engine
Fluids thicken in the cold, reducing efficiency and increasing wear on your engine and transmission. Proper fluid maintenance is a key part of luxury vehicle care in cold weather.
Here’s what you need to check before winter:
- Engine Oil: A synthetic oil change ensures smoother lubrication in freezing temperatures.
- Coolant/Antifreeze: A balanced coolant mixture prevents freezing and protects your engine.
- Transmission & Brake Fluids: Maintaining proper viscosity ensures smooth shifting and reliable braking.
At NexGen Automotive, we inspect and top off all essential fluids to keep your Mercedes-Benz or BMW running at peak performance.
4. Maintain Your Brakes for Winter Safety
Snow, ice, and road salt can take a toll on your braking system. Rust and corrosion can form quickly, reducing stopping power when you need it most.
- Moisture and salt exposure accelerate brake wear.
- Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and traction control rely on well-maintained brake components to function properly.
Our technicians check brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure your system is winter-ready.
Pro Tip: If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel a soft brake pedal, schedule an inspection immediately.
5. Test Your Heating and Defrosting System
No one wants to drive in freezing temperatures without heat—or struggle with a fogged-up windshield that won’t clear.
We inspect:
- Heater cores, blower motors, and thermostats to ensure your cabin stays warm.
- Windshield defrosters and wipers to prevent ice buildup and maintain visibility.
- Washer fluid levels, using winter-rated de-icer for better performance.
A quick seasonal checkup at NexGen Automotive ensures your comfort and safety all winter long.
6. Get a Full Winter Inspection at NexGen Automotive
Following a European car winter preparation routine is about more than just convenience—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring safety on the road. Our comprehensive winterization service includes:
- Battery and charging system test
- Tire tread depth and pressure check (including winter tire installation)
- Synthetic oil change and fluid top-off
- Brake system inspection
- Alignment check with the Snap-On John Bean V3300 System
- Heating and defrosting system evaluation
We provide transparent communication and expert recommendations, so you’ll know exactly what your vehicle needs before we perform any work.
Book Your Winter Maintenance Service Today
Don’t wait to prepare your Mercedes-Benz or BMW for winter. At NexGen Automotive in Sheboygan, we provide expert service tailored to high-performance cars, ensuring they remain safe, reliable, and efficient throughout the colder months.
Our experienced technicians are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to handle all aspects of winterization, from battery checks and fluid top-offs to brake inspections and winter tire installations.
Visit us at 1453 N 40th St, Sheboygan, WI, or call us at 920-803-0204 to schedule your winter maintenance service. You can also book an appointment online.
Stay safe, stay warm, and drive worry-free this winter.
