If you’ve never lived in a cold climate before, or you’ve just never faced a rough winter as a driver, then you may not realize that your car needs a little extra TLC when the snow and ice hits. As soon as the temperature drops, your car could be needing everything from a tune up to new tires – or maybe not. If you’re not sure what your car needs for the winter, then read on.
1. The Right Oil Change
Most of us keep our car’s oil changed on some sort of schedule, but did you know that the type of oil change you get can differ depending on the climate? In the winter, oil tends to thicken up due to the colder weather. This can make it harder for your car to efficiently use the oil, which could lead to big problems for your engine. In the winter, it’s important to use the right kind of oil to ensure that it can withstand the changes in temperature. Ask your mechanic or check your owner’s manual to determine what type of oil is best for your car in the cold. Additionally, don’t procrastinate on your oil change if it’s time and the weather is cooling off. Old or low oil can be a big problem when you’re also battling thickening oil due to winter temperatures.
2. Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades
One thing that the winter often brings is precipitation, so you’ll want to make sure you can see in all types of weather. Snow can make it especially hard to see. Be sure that you check your windshield wiper blades and replace them if they are worn or broken. Fill your windshield wiper fluid as well, because it can help quickly defrost a window in the colder temperatures. Check your defroster and heater also – these are essential for keeping your windshield clear of ice and they prevent fogging up when the temperature is drastically cooler outside than in your car.
3. Check Tire Pressure
Even if you don’t live in an area where you use snow tires or chains, you still need to check your tire pressure. In order to properly grip the road in all conditions, your tires must be properly inflated. Air pressure often escapes due to the cooler weather outside, so be sure to check your tire pressure frequently during the winter. Expect your tires to be constantly low the colder it gets, and give yourself extra time to get to a gas station where you can top off.
If you do live in an area where the snow and ice get really bad, you should consider snow tires. If it is very hilly where you live, snow tires are an essential safety tool. They help to improve your traction so that you experience less slipping.
4. Check Your Battery
This time of year, it’s more common for batteries to have issues – and if you’re stranded in a snowstorm, it may be hard for help to get to you. Before you leave for a longer trip, or any time you’ll be driving in a snow or ice storm, be sure to give your battery a quick inspection. Check for corrosion and make sure your battery doesn’t need water. You may also want to schedule a checkup with a mechanic to be sure that older batteries still have the ability to hold a charge. Carry a portable battery charger if you think you may be far away from help for any length of time in the winter.
5. Check Your Antifreeze
Your antifreeze mixture should be roughly 1:1 antifreeze to water in your radiator. This mixture stops the water in your radiator from freezing, which means your battery will be in better shape. Antifreeze tester can be used to make sure the mixture is the right ratio. If it’s not, be sure to completely drain the liquid and start over.
6. Stock Your Emergency Kit
Any time that you will be driving in a snow storm or for a long period in cold weather, you should have an emergency kit on hand. This kit should include items to keep you warm, such as blankets, extra gloves and hats, extra boots, and anything else you can carry that can keep you warmer. It should also include things to help get you out of a tight spot, such as a shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a toolkit, tire changing equipment, and jumper cables.
Additionally, keep your safety in mind when you’re out there changing tires or digging your car out of snow. Bring flares, a first aid kit, and some de-icing material like kitty litter or road salt to help your car get some traction. Keep extra windshield wiper fluid on hand if the weather is wet, and be sure that you keep the gas tank as full as you can during the winter. The gas lines can freeze without liquid in them. Additionally, consider keeping an extra phone battery or portable charger in your emergency kit so you can contact help.
7. Check All Belts and Hoses
Before the cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to have the belts and hoses in your car checked for cracks or weakness. As the weather changes, expansion and contraction in materials can cause cracks to get worse. This can lead to leaks in the worst possible moments. Even if you are driving a modern car, belts and hoses take a lot of wear and tear. Have them checked and replaced if necessary before the weather gets bad to avoid breakdowns in bad weather.
8. Check the 4WD Status
If your car has four-wheel drive, be sure to have this system checked for function. Most drivers don’t even turn this system on in the warmer months, so you may not even realize that there is a problem until the winter. And the worst time to realize that there’s an issue is when you need it the most. Test the four-wheel drive system to be sure that it engages properly, disengages right away, and drives correctly before the bad weather hits. Additionally, make sure that anyone who will be driving your car knows how to use the system, and when to engage it.
9. Flush the Heater
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you stay warm when you’re driving in the winter. Your heater doesn’t get used during the summer, so the system may need a tune up before the bad weather hits. Flushing a heater, meaning cleaning out the core tubes, makes your heater more efficient so that it keeps you warmer, faster. If you’re tired of waiting around for a cold car to heat up in those early mornings, this is the best gift you can give yourself before the cold weather hits.
Keep Your Car Running Smoothly All Winter
These nine steps can ensure that your car has the best chance of making it through the winter without any problems at all. The best time to do these things is before the coldest temperatures start to set in. This will help make sure that you don’t have any big problems pop up before you have a chance to address them, which can keep your repair costs down. Plan a good overall checkup on your car in the fall, and be sure you have a plan for when you’ll switch over to your winter tires and cold temperature oil. Don’t let another winter go by without your safety and your family’s safety in mind.
