Winter is hectic, but scheduling a little time for automotive TLC is still a must. If you don’t prepare your car for winter and service it throughout the season, you may be faced with an ugly repair bill before spring. That’s why the experts at Steel Horse Automotive have compiled a list of essential winter car care tips to help you make it through the longest season of the year.
1. Check the strength of your antifreeze
The same fluid that is used to cool your engine during the winter months prevents it from freezing up in the winter. Anti-freeze that isn’t up to snuff can cause your engine to seize, resulting in catastrophic damage. The antifreeze concentration should be checked to ensure it is still providing protection. You can do this yourself with a hydrometer or a trained technician can do this for you.
2. Check your tires
Worn tires can turn a sure-footed summer vehicle into a winter bobsled. That’s why it’s important to check the condition of your tires regularly. Having at least 4/32” of tread on your tires during the winter months is advisable. Checking tire pressure is also extremely important. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle will be listed on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
3. Pack a winter emergency kit
You never know what Mother Nature’s wrath is going to bring during the winter months. To make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected, it’s a good idea to pack a winter emergency kit. This should consist of items such as warm clothing, a blanket, flashlight, cell phone charger, snacks and water so you’re prepared if your vehicle gets stuck.
4. Change your oil
Oil changes are important all year, but they are especially important during the winter. Engine oil gets thicker when the temperature drops and if the oil is too thick at low temperatures it may make the engine difficult to start. For example, if you use 10W-30 during the winter months, you might consider changing to 5W-30 in the winter. Having your oil changed by a professional will ensure you have the right lubricant to combat the cold.
5. Wash your car regularly
To prevent rust, wash your vehicle regularly throughout winter. Otherwise salt and grime from the road build up on your vehicle and eat it away. Washing your car at least once a week will help prevent this.
6. Check your wipers and washers
You’ll regret it if you’re caught in the middle of a blizzard with shoddy wiper blades. The same is true if you’ve got a window caked with salt and your washers don’t work. It’s important to make sure your wiper blades and washers perform well, and that you have winter grade washer fluid under the hood – this washer fluid is designed to perform at low temperatures, so you never have to worry about it freezing up.
7. Pack an ice scraper and window de-icer
If your window is iced over and you don’t have a way to get it clean – you’re stuck. That’s why it’s essential you carry an ice scraper and bottle of de-icer with you at all times. Spraying de-icer on your windshield will help it defrost quickly.
8. Have your brakes checked
Slippery conditions and lack of visibility are a major concern during the winter, leaving you less time to break and less control over your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to have your brakes checked, so you’re ready to make an emergency stop.
9. Have your battery checked
Cold weather tends to push borderline batteries over the edge. To ensure you aren’t left stuck out in the cold, it’s a good idea to have your battery checked. A trained professional can run a health check on your entire starting/charging system using the latest diagnostic equipment.
10. Make sure your four-wheel drive works
You may not notice during the warmer months that the four-wheel drive is inoperative. Suddenly winter comes and it’s too late – you’re stuck sliding around in two-wheel drive. To test its operation, engage your four-wheel drive and make sure the corresponding light comes on the dash. This is a good indication that the system is working.
11. Check that your defroster and heater both work
When you wake up in the morning and it’s below freezing outside, you’re going to be very unhappy if your heater isn’t working. The same goes for the defroster. We suggest checking the operation of your vehicle’s heater and defroster before this happens to you. Turn them on to make sure they are blowing warm air and working correctly.
12. Take care of repairs you’ve been ignoring
Winter is the worst time of the year to break down. So, if you’ve been ignoring your check engine light, an unusual noise or any other repair, now is the time to get it fixed.
13. Keep your gas tank full
Running out of gas is never fun – especially in the winter. Having a full tank also helps prevent moisture from building up in your fuel tank and lines, which can cause drivability problems such as hard starting and rough running. So make sure you’re topping up your gas tank regularly.
14. Pack some kitty litter
Kitty litter is great for traction. If you’ve got a rear-wheel drive pickup you can toss some in the bed to help the wheels get a grip. If you’ve got a car, it’s a good idea to keep a bag if you ever get stuck. You can put the entire sealed bag under one of the drive wheels to get yourself out of a jam.
15. Have a general checkup performed on your car
You visit the doctor for a routine checkup, right? You should do the same for your car. Winter is the perfect time to have a mechanic check your vehicle from bumper to bumper. That way, you won’t be stuck out in the cold before you realize your vehicle needs attention.
So there you have it:
the tips you need to prepare a car for winter and traverse the frozen roadways.
If you have any questions or would like to stop by,
give the experts at Steel Horse Automotive a call.
We offer fair prices and reliable service as well as exceptional customer service. We can take care of all your winter service needs from antifreeze flushes to brake inspections. Come experience the difference for yourself.