Wintertime is very unfriendly to a vehicle. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to “winterize” your car.
1. Make sure your tires are in good condition. The condition of your car’s tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn, braking, acceleration and handling are all negatively impacted while driving on slippery roads.
2. Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is especially important during the winter. Traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It is critical to have properly inflated tires, as this guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road.
3. Make sure your vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system is working properly . A big selling point for SUVs is that they offer 4WD, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a four-wheel-drive system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before the onset of winter.
4. Maintain factory recommended schedule for changing the oil. Dirty oil doesn’t circulate as well as clean oil, which can create wear and tear on your engine.
5. Inspect the belts and hoses. The belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose. Before winter starts, have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle.
6. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is particularly key during winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time to run out of wiper fluid or to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.
7. Check the battery. A battery gives little notice before it kicks off. Cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion.
8. Check antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can be compromised.
9. Carry an emergency kit inside the car. Wintertime requires you to load more junk into the back of your vehicle. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? Things you might want to consider carrying:
a. A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
b. Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
c. A blanket, warm clothes and gloves.
d. Paper towels.
e. A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
f. A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
g. Extra washer fluid.
h. Extra food and water.