Cold weather associated with winter is the culprit behind a number of automobile malfunctions. However, most of these mishaps can be avoided by taking proper vehicle care and precautions before the cold weather sets in. Winterizing your vehicle is not a complex process, nor should it be, as it is an important step in extending the life of your vehicle.
Here are some tips on how to winterize vehicle:
Replace Your Vehicle Windshield Wipers
Poor visibility can be very dangerous when driving, particularly during the winter season, so it’s important to make sure that your wipers are in excellent working condition. Streaking water on your windshield, cracked or torn blade rubber are tell-tale signs it’s time to replace your wiper blades.
Check Your Vehicle Tire Pressure
Maintaining the right tire pressure for your car is very vital during winter. Deflated tires have low traction and are more susceptible to slipping on icy surfaces. Not only is this not safe – but, following your manufacturer’s recommend tire pressure can also give your more mileage per gallon.
Make Sure All Vehicle Lights Are Working
Winter is often characterized by poor visibility, so all your vehicle lights – including headlights, fog lights, high beam lights, brake lights, tail lights, signal lights, back-up lights, and even over head lights can play a very important role staying safe during winter driving.
Change Your Engine Oil
As the winter season approaches, it’s important to check your engine oil to find out whether it is low or should be changed. Low temperatures can cause the engine oil to become more viscous, slowing down the flow of oil from one section of the engine to another. This may prevent proper lubrication of the engine, leading to overheating and engine failure.
Check Your Hoses and Belts
The car’s hoses and belts are often prone to wear and tear, especially during the cold weather. When it gets cold the rubber on the hoses can expand causing them to crack or split. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check them for any signs of damage and have them replaced.
Replace the Radiator Coolant
Your engine should contain the right ratio of water to anti-freeze before the winter season sets in, otherwise the coolant can freeze, leading to overheating of the engine. A ratio of 50% water to 50% anti-freeze is recommended for many cars.
Check Your Battery
Your car battery should be in excellent working condition before winter, because in cold weather, the engine tends to require more power from the battery to start. Check the fluid level by unscrewing the caps on the battery. Ask your ASE Certified Mechanic to carry out a battery load test to find out if your battery is weak and should be replaced.
Check Your Heating and Defrosting
The heating and defrosting systems on your car are vital for your comfort and visibility while driving in cold weather, so it’s important to make sure they are working normally. The defroster blows warm air on to the windshield, thereby clearing condensation on the glass. The rear defroster will melt any snow and ice on the back windshield.
Keep Your Gas Tank At Least ½ Full
Keeping gas tank at least half full will minimize the chances of your fuel lines freezing up in cold weather. When the tank is near empty, condensation will form on the sides, drip down into the gas, sink to the bottom and can then freeze due to cold conditions.
Consider Buying Snow Tires
If your area is often covered in snow all winter long, consider replacing your conventional tires with snow tires before the season sets in. Snow tires are softer, more flexible and have greater traction than regular tires.
Safety during winter should be a concern for anyone living in a cold area. These tips will help keep you and your family safe during the winter season.
*Always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle model’s specific instructions before attempting any type of vehicle repair.
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