November 7, 2011
10 Simple Steps To Get Your Car Ready For Winter
Winter is right around the corner…Lovely Right……So this means we will have…
Cold temps making it harder for your engine to run
Rain, snow and ice to limit traction
Pot holes to damage wheels and tires
Salt on roads to cause rust
Cold temps to cause windshields to fog up and reduce visibility
SOUND LIKE FUN?!?!?
nooo…but we all can’t move SOUTH can we…
But…with proper winterization of your vehicle you can be more prepared to take on the harsh winter weather.
- Winterizing your car can go a long way in bad weather
Winterizing your vehicle is EASY; it can save you a lot of money and may just save your life in the more dangerous situations. With just a few quick checks on your car and maybe a trip to your local auto shop, you can increase the safety for you and your entire family this winter. And keeping you and your family safe in the winter should always be a priority.
10 Simple Steps To Winterize
1. Tires – What condition are your tires in? Low Tread Depth on tires will increase your chances of hydro-planning or sliding on ice and snow. Also, if your tires are Old Tires (over 7 years old) they will harden and crack and again will not work as well and will have a better chance of going flat in extreme weather. Tire Pressure – make sure that the colder weather hasn’t lowered you tire pressure – too low of pressure can cause the tire to heat up and cause a blow out and pot holes have a better chance of damaging your tire if it is low.
2. Get the antifreeze mixture just right - The mixture should be 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator protects the motor from freezing and cracking. The protection level should be at – 35 degrees below zero. This can be tested quickly with an antifreeze tester you can buy at the auto parts store or we can do it for you. If the mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed. You have to dispose of the old antifreeze properly if you do this yourself – you just can pour it down the drain. It is toxic!
3. Battery – Batteries give LITTLE NOTICE before they DIE!! But in MOST CASES, if the battery was properly maintained and tested twice a year this will not happen to you. Clean the battery’s post and connections and make sure the connections are corrosion-free. You can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.
4. Wipers & Wiper Fluid – Visibility is key in the winter! We have reduced daylight, poor wipers and no fluid can cause some serious problems in a hurry. Life expectancy is ONE YEAR. We recommend changing them in the fall so they are working best in the time of year you need them the most. Also, check your wiper fluid reservoir. Consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. This helps prevent the fluid from FREEZING on your wind shield.
5. Check Belts & Hoses – Make sure your belts and hoses are checked for cracks or wear. This should be fully checked with each service. Cold weather will make a weak hose or belt fail and then you are done driving. So they deserve your attention!
6. Make sure you can see! - Check your heater and defrost to make sure it is working well to keep the windshield nice and clear. While you are at it, check the air-conditioner too as this is they system that defrost your windshield.
7. Keep your gas tank full – this will prevent the gas lines from freezing.
8. Carry extra items in your car – assemble a kit with:
Ice scraper and snow brush
A Flashlight, flares and a first aid kit.
A blanket, gloves, boots, hat warm clothes
Pack some snacks & water: crackers or nuts
Jumper cables and light tools
Paper towels
Extra washer fluid for long trips
9. If you are stranded – don’t wander away from your car unless you are completely sure about where you are and where you are going. If your car will still run, you can run your heater for about 10 minutes for every hour. Leave at least one window open a little bit so the snow or ice doesn’t seal your car shut.
10. Wax your vehicle and protect the outside - we recommend you wax your vehicle twice a year, every spring and fall, to protect it from the sun and the salt. You can do this right in your garage or call us and we will set you up with a detail specialist.
Want more winterization tips? Check back here in the coming months for more advice on how to keep you and your car the safest it can be this winter!
Enjoy your winter!
Nick Sallas
