It is Wise to Winterize Your Vehicle
According to the Car Care Council, 70 percent of drivers don't winterize their vehicles. Everyone is pressed for time, especially around the holidays, so the task gets put off — until something happens. Winterizing is a proactive step that helps ensure safe and reliable driving during one of the busiest and treacherous times of year.
Check brakes: Brakes are a wear item for any car or truck and eventually need to be replaced for safety and performance reasons. If it's been a while since your last brake inspection, make an appointment today. Many places offer free brake checks.
Check tire pressure: As temperatures drop, tires lose pressure. Tires affect ride, handling, traction and safety, so especially during the winter you should check the tire pressure often.
Check antifreeze: When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosive properties. But don't mistakenly add 100 percent antifreeze because when used at full strength is actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed with water.
Change your motor oil: It's best to change to a low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow mroe easily betweenmoving parts when cold.
Check your battery: Cold temperatures reduce a vehicle's battery power, making it critical to keep the connections clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Unfortunately, batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail, so if your battery is three years old or older, it's wise to replace it.
Check your wiper blades: Cold weather can also affect the life on windshield wipers by making the rubber brittle. Wiper blades that are cracked or that streak instead of clean should be changed. When changing the blades, have the windshield wiper system nozzles cleaned and adjusted, too.
Be prepared: Remember to stash an emergency kit in your trunk. At a minimum it should include an ice scraper, flashlight, blanket, bottled water, snacks with a long shelf life, gloves, flare, and first-aid kit.
Lastly, if you have a cell phone, take it with you every time you drive. That way you can always call for roadside assistance if you ever need it.
Article and tips courtesy of the Car Care Council.
Back to Car Accessories and Parts page.
Check brakes: Brakes are a wear item for any car or truck and eventually need to be replaced for safety and performance reasons. If it's been a while since your last brake inspection, make an appointment today. Many places offer free brake checks.
Check tire pressure: As temperatures drop, tires lose pressure. Tires affect ride, handling, traction and safety, so especially during the winter you should check the tire pressure often.
Check antifreeze: When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosive properties. But don't mistakenly add 100 percent antifreeze because when used at full strength is actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed with water.
Change your motor oil: It's best to change to a low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow mroe easily betweenmoving parts when cold.
Check your battery: Cold temperatures reduce a vehicle's battery power, making it critical to keep the connections clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Unfortunately, batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail, so if your battery is three years old or older, it's wise to replace it.
Check your wiper blades: Cold weather can also affect the life on windshield wipers by making the rubber brittle. Wiper blades that are cracked or that streak instead of clean should be changed. When changing the blades, have the windshield wiper system nozzles cleaned and adjusted, too.
Be prepared: Remember to stash an emergency kit in your trunk. At a minimum it should include an ice scraper, flashlight, blanket, bottled water, snacks with a long shelf life, gloves, flare, and first-aid kit.
Lastly, if you have a cell phone, take it with you every time you drive. That way you can always call for roadside assistance if you ever need it.
Article and tips courtesy of the Car Care Council.
Back to Car Accessories and Parts page.