The autumn leaves have fallen and so has the temperature. Soon the nights will be getting down near freezing, so it’s time to get your vehicle ready for cold-weather action!
We have compiled a list of things you can do now to get your vehicle ready before the weather turns cold to ensure a safer, smoother commute this winter.
Change Your Oil
Colder temperatures affect the viscosity of engine oil, so it’s important to change oil to a lighter weight oil that keeps it from getting too thick in cold temperatures. Oil that is too thick can put a strain on your car’s starter and battery because it’s difficult to get the engine to “turn over”. The rule is thinner weight oil in winter, thicker weight in the summer months.
Check Your Battery
Battery power decreases as the temperature drops, meaning that it takes more power to start your car in the winter. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down increases. Charge it up and see if it can hold a charge. If not, it’s best to invest in a new battery.
Flush the Cooling System
It’s best to maintain a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. Ask your service person what antifreeze is recommended for your vehicle to help prevent against corrosion and potential freezing.
Check Belts and Hoses
These are under constant wear and tear and can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could end up stranded in the cold. Have them checked to make sure they’re tight and, if necessary, replaced.
Make Sure Tires Have Adequate Tread
Tires that are low on tread can still perform adequately in the warm, dry summer months. But, when the weather gets cold and wet – or snowy – that’s when poorly inflated or worn tires can fail you. Make sure you test your tire treads to make sure you have enough.
The old standard was to put a penny in the groove with Lincoln’s head toward the tire. If Abe’s head was partially covered, you’re OK. But, many experts are now advising using a quarter for the test, and seeing if George Washington’s head is not covered. There is a 2/32″ difference, which could make the difference between a corner and a ditch!
Maintain Tire Pressure
Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI of pressure. This means you should check pressure more regularly during winter and refill your tires as needed. The correct tire pressure can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Winter Windshield Wipers
Winter wipers come equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on the blades. Just be sure to remove them when spring comes because they are heavier than regular ones, and it increases the load on the wiper motor.
Fill Washer Fluid
A single snowstorm can exhaust a large amount of this fluid, so refill the washer reservoir frequently with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions.
Make a Winter Survival Kit
Before heading off on a trip, store common tools and supplies in your car in case of an emergency. Use the photo on this page to see what is good to pack in the kit.
Make sure you have adequate, affordable auto insurance, too!
Go to https://sav-on.com for a free quote.
