Winter driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant.Are you and your car prepared? If not, now is the time! Reading the follow 10 simple steps can save the day in the winter weather.
1. Check your tire tread.
When getting your car ready for winter, be sure to inspect your tires for tread wear and rotate them during every oil change. To check your tire’s tread, use the “Penny Test”. You do this by taking a penny and placing it in the tread groove of your tire. Place the
During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
2. Have your battery and charging system checked for maximum performance.
Your vehicle’s battery capacity lessens in cold weather. Without a pre-winter check, you will never know when your battery will stop working, so make sure it has full charge. And have a professional inspect your battery’s fluid and cables. If your battery life is questionable, swap it out now, before the snow begins to fall.
3. Keep the Gas Tank Filled.
Preventing your tank from going below the 1/2 threshold will ensure less condensation, and thus, cleaner starts on those especially cold mornings. Be sure that you’ve recently had your oil changed and that all the other fluids in your car have been topped off before heading out on the road in the cold.
4. Examine your belts and hoses.
When you have that full service done on your vehicle, make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear — even if you’re driving a modern car. Accessory drive belts and hoses become especially prone to cracking in cold weather, so you should thoroughly check the underside of each one to determine if they need replacement before winter hits.
Shoping our drive belt for you vehicle.
5. Check your Anti-Freeze Before Winter Hits.
Making sure your anti-freeze is working can save you a lot of time and money down the road. If you want to check your anti-freeze yourself here is a quick reference link.
Before topping off any anti-freeze, we recommend flushing your car's coolant system and checking for leaks in the fall before the first freeze.
6. Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
If you’ve been driving around with a broken or cracked headlight or taillight consider replacing it before winter. With increased driving in the dark during the winter months it’s a good idea to have all your lights fully functional. If you need a replacement, can consider our brake light.
7. Check to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drifting snow before running the engine.
Open a window slightly for fresh air, and check if you need to stop for gas. A full tank can help reduce moisture in fuel system and it adds extra weight to your vehicle. It will also be saviour if you get stranded. If you do run into trouble on your trip and get stuck, tell everyone to stay in your vehicle for safety and warmth.
8. Make sure you can see.
When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. (Plain water won’t do the trick at this time of year because it freezes.) Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.
9. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
10. Things to Put In Your Car for Winter.
Keep yourself and your family safe by adequately stocking your car with what you’ll need in the case of car trouble during a winter storm. Use the following checklists to prepare your car for all winter weather emergencies, whether it be stuck in a snowbank, driving in the icy snow, or being stranded in a snowstorm.Checklist: winter emergency kit for car trouble:
- Emergency flares
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Hand crank or battery-powered radio
- Ice scraper for windshield and windows
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Neon flag or ribbon
- Roadmap
- Chain or sturdy rope for towing
- Tire chains
- Rock salt to melt ice, sand, and/or kitty litter for traction in snow
-
Reflectors
Checklist: winter survival kit for your car:
- Warm blankets
- Extra hats and gloves
- Water and non-perishable food
- Cell phone charger and/or power brick
- Extra medications