Just like dressing yourself in thick layers and winterizing your home to protect it from cold, preparing and maintaining your vehicle for winter weather calamities is also very important. Winter driving situations make driving differently as well. Ice and snow must be considered seriously and be prepared for it.
Most people, by the time winter’s first storm hits, are prepared with a cabinet full of heavy boots and coats. This winter, ensure your car is as prepared as you are to avoid any damages or accidents. Driving the additional mile by preparing your car for winter and learning what it needs to drive safely through snow and ice can save your life.
Here are some tips that can help your car running all winter long.
- Take your car to a reliable mechanic and examine the anti-freeze level, battery, heater, brakes, defroster and thermostat.
- Examine to ensure your tires have sufficient tread. When the treads are worn, don’t hesitate to change them.You can also replace them for a set of snow tires that have treads, which give better grip and are equipped to manage extreme winter driving situations.
- Perform a visual inspection of your car’s lights. Examine if the rear and front lights are operational, particularly the vehicle’sblinking hazard lights.
- Usually in winter, the wind-shield wiper fluid may freeze. Replace the fluid with one prepared specifically to spray in freezing conditions instead of removing it until spring.
- Examine the spray needles of your wind-shield cleaner system. At times, they get blocked by debris or wax. Use a pin or nozzle to clean blocked needles.
- Cold temperatures can weaken hoses ad belts, and if something breaks or snaps while you are driving, a tow truck can be the only means to keep moving again. So, don’t forget to check your car’s hoses and belts before driving.
- Put in the exact amount of anti-freeze. It protects your engine from both heating up on hot days and freezing in cold weather, and it avoids corrosion also. Nowadays, you can purchase pre-mixed bottles of water and anti-freeze at gas stations. The engine may get extremely hot and the coolant can freeze if you do not pay attention to the right amount of anti-freeze. The cost of replacing them with labor can be costly, so always put the right amount of anti-freeze.
- Always keep your fuel tank full. If water finds its way into the fuel lines, it tends to freeze-up, and it can block any gas flow to the engine and surely disturbing your travel plans. Despite high gas prices, any repairs which should be made is costly, keeping your tank full can help both your wallet and your car.
- Road salt usually utilized during winter can damage the paint of your car. You can bring your vehicle to an authorized auto body painting shop. A good wash and a coat of fresh paint can help in keeping your car look new and can avoid corrosion too. Washing it off every now and then is necessary.
