It may not be officially winter yet, but winter weather has already arrived in a large section of the nation, so if you haven't winterized your car yet, you probably should.
If you live in one of the Southern states or the Southwest, chances are you may not even know what that means. But if you'll be driving north anytime soon, or if you live in those states where winter impacts the way you drive, here are some tips from the good folks at AutoMD.com on how to get ready for both you and your car.
AutoMD.com President Shane Evangelist says people who drive north for the holidays often forget that "their vehicle needs special preparation for the winter road ahead, and can end up with chilly regrets on a snowy roadside."
You may want to take the time to put your car through AutoMD.com's ten point winter travel vehicle checklist.
1. Check the antifreeze, also known as the coolant. The engine cooling system should be filled with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water to prevent freezing and boiling over. Antifreeze testers are available at your local auto parts store to test the mixture. You should keep the cooling system operating at peak performance by following the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the antifreeze.
2. Change the engine oil. Use the recommended oil viscosity range for winter. 5W-30 motor oil flows quicker in cold weather than 20W-50. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend 5W-30 oil for year round protection.
3. Check the tires. Tires should be properly inflated, and the tread depth should be at least 1/8 of an inch. Using snow tires can improve traction over all-season tires.
4. Check your battery. Cold temperatures can reduce the battery's power. If the battery is older than four years, it may be time to replace it.
5. Have your service station check the belts and hoses. Cold weather can reduce the life expectancy of belts and hoses, so make sure yours are in good shape before getting on the road.
6. Check the wipers and wiper fluid. Replace wipers that are old or worn, and, to prevent freezing, use windshield washer fluid instead of water.
7. Check the emergency kit. Make sure your kit is well stocked and add an ice scraper, tire chains, jumper cables, and warm clothes for winter weather emergencies. Remember to include a candle and matches, as well as some bottled water and energy bars. You can use a candle for light and warmth inside the vehicle if you get stranded.
8. Check the four-wheel drive operation if your car has one. Since you may not have used the 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) all year, make sure you know how to activate it if the roads require extra traction. Review your manual on "how to activate" 4WD.
9. Winterize your driving habits. Slow down and increase your following distance when driving in harsh weather. All vehicles lose traction in rain, snow and ice.
10. Wash and wax your car. It is a good idea to get a good car wash and wax before you head north to protect your paint from road salt, and be sure to wash your car as soon as you return home, to remove any lingering road salt.
By taking better care of your car in winter it will take better care of you all year round.
