Prepare Your Car for Winter
Source: Lifehacker
Winter is right around the corner, and while you may be stocking up on cozy sweaters and taking steps to rid your house of drafts, you also need to do a few things to get your car ready for the season.
Vehicles need a little extra attention in the winter. Here’s what to think about now so your ride is ready to go when the cold weather hits.
Snow tires
Because winter roads are notoriously icy and make your car’s tires work harder, you should start there. There are three things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated because traction is vital for getting you through the snow, and temperature changes can affect tire pressure.
- Get your wheels aligned which will make it easier to maintain control in icy conditions.
- Check your tire tread to see if you need a new set of wheels.
An emergency kit for your car
Even if you live in an urban area and don’t foresee getting stuck somewhere snowy with no way out, you should be prepared for the worst. Put emergency supplies in your trunk now so you always have them. Not sure what to include? Start here:
- Extra blankets, mittens, socks, and hats
- An ice scraper and snow brush
- A flashlight (with extra batteries, uninserted)
- Jumper cables
- A basic first-aid kit
- Bottled water
- A multitool like this one , which has a pliers, various screwdrivers, a knife, and more
- Road flares and reflective warning triangles
- Windshield cleaner fluid
- A bag of sand (for traction)
- A small or collapsible shovel
- Hand warmers
Keep the crucial items somewhere accessible, like under a car seat, so even if you can’t get to the trunk, you can grab your kit.
Your car battery
One way to avoid getting stuck and needing that kit is to make sure your battery is functioning well. Have a professional evaluate the condition of your battery and replace it if necessary—before it gets cold out.
Clean your battery terminals by disconnecting negative cables, then the positive cables, and using a battery cleaning tool or wire brush to clean the terminal posts. Next, clean off grease and acid before reinstalling the positive cables, then the negative ones again. You can also ask a mechanic to do this, which is what I recommend if you have the money.
Windows, latches, and hinges
In the winter, freezing water can get into the window tracks, which can then damage your window regulator cables. Lubricate your window tracks with spray silicone or dry teflon spray by lowering the window and shooting right into the front and back window tracks. Open and close the window a bunch of times to spread the lube around. You can do this with your locks, too, even if you usually use a remote to access your vehicle.
Finally, lube all your latches and hinges. If your car won’t start when it’s cold out, that’s the worst time to discover you’re also having a hard time opening the hood. Your local Canadian Tire store will have all the right lubes for these various parts.
Coolant levels
Coolant is what protects your engine from freezing and cracking in the wintertime. So make sure you have enough. Have a mechanic check your coolant is appropriate for winter driving.
Windshield for winter
Your windshield also needs some attention. First, make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid.
Consider the condition and age of your wipers. Winter wipers are made especially for winter weather. Heavier and made of rubber, it is advisable to have them installed and usable only for the winter.
Keep your car gassed up
Keep your gas tank at least half full during winter months to help prevent the likelihood of a gas line freeze. Plus you want to ensure you have enough juice to keep your heater running in case you get stranded somewhere cold.
Auto mechanic
If you are not familiar or unskilled with car matters, visit a car shop and have a mechanic do the necessary work for you. You are investing in your safety in winter driving.
