Winter Car Care Tips

2017-12-07 by repairama.com

When winter is around the corner, we prepare by taking out woolen garments from storage. Your car too has to be properly prepped for winter, or else some components could get seriously damaged due to the cold weather. Getting your car “winter ready” ensures the sudden drop in temperatures and chilly winds can’t affect visibility, battery, and other parts of your car. It is a must for driving safely during this time of the year.

 

Take a look at these tips:

Get the car serviced

 With the onset of winter, it is imperative to get your vehicle serviced and checked. It not only prevented unexpected breakdowns, but also lets you drive safely on bad roads, which are common during winter, especially if there is ice and snow. Keeping your tires rotated and properly inflated, for example, will provide the maximum amount of traction. Ensuring that your car's battery is in good shape means you're less likely to be stranded and unable to start the engine.

 
Oil change

While getting your vehicle serviced, please if it needs an oil change – this is necessary as the oil should have the correct viscosity or thickness for your vehicle at this time of year. If any of these parameters are present in wrong quantities, the oil could thicken in colder temperatures that interfere with its ability to lubricate the engine. Refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions regarding the type of oil suitable for different climates and temperatures.

Belts and hoses

Cold weather does affect belts and hoses, which could cause a problem, so while getting a full service, please check for wear and tear. It is applicable for both old and new models.

Visibility

Are you sure if your windshield wipers are in good working condition? If not, you will be in a sticky situation when visibility is low. Invest in new ones if needed and fill up the windshield washer reservoir with special washer fluid meant for winter, as plain water will freeze. Don’t forget to verify if the heater and defroster are functioning normally.

Snow tires

If you encounter snow for days during winter, you can enhance traction by purchasing winter tires and using them over the next few months instead of your usual all-season tires. Mounting and balancing is charged separately – find out if any additional fees are needed.  Get them mounted to a nice set of steel rims to save you extra work when you have to remove them. Snow tires give you better control of your vehicle in case you have to drive over ice.

 
Tire pressure

Examine the tire pressure to ensure they are sufficiently inflated, so you have maximum traction while driving, especially in wet, snowy or icy conditions. Air pressure tends to drop with the temperature, so check the owner’s manual to find out how far it deviates from the target tire pressure.

Battery

Are your battery’s posts and connections free from corrosion? Does it have the amount of water it needs? It is necessary to inspect the battery well before taking your car out in the winter months. For batteries more than 3 years old, get it check to test how capable it is for holding a charge – this factor is useful in case you need to jump-start your car in the middle of a storm.

Stay alert

In bad weather, even the tiniest lapse of focus can send you spinning off the road. This means keeping your phone switched off while driving. It also means keeping both hands on the wheel instead of changing the radio station or digging for a map in the glove box. Avoid drinking or eating behind the wheel, especially a hot beverage. Teach kids the importance of being quiet in the car, so as not to distract the driver from the mission at hand.

Drive at safe speeds

Majority of winter weather auto accidents are the result of excessive speed. It is difficult enough to maintain control in a winter storm or on icy roads when you are moving slowly. Excess speed can cause your tires, already lacking in traction, to lose their grip on the road altogether. A patient driver is one who arrives alive, particularly in bad weather.

Proper lighting

One of the worst things during winter driving is the visibility, especially during a snow storm. If your car comes standard with HID headlights, make sure they are working! Nothing is worse than a burned out bulb, especially in the dead of the night in the middle of winter. If your car doesn't come standard with HID headlights, purchase a set. LED daytime running lights are useful if you are driving in gloomy weather during the day.

Follow the guidelines and drive safely in winter – this isn’t the time to showcase your racecar driving skills; safety is the priority now.