Have you seen ads for winterizing your vehicle and wonder
what that entails? Don’t worry, you’re
not alone.
If you experience winters when temperatures drop below 32
degrees and you’re one of the lucky souls who scrapes ice and snow off your
vehicle on a regular basis, you should prepare your car for the harsh
conditions. Winterizing is a service that will save money, time and frustration
down the road.
Services included in winterizing:
·
Coolant
System Inspection - check all fluid levels
o
Adding 50/50 coolant and water mixture to
prevent your car from freezing
·
Brakes -
Inspecting the brakes and rotors for even and minimal wear.
·
Battery
– Testing the battery to guarantee a full charge so the car will start in
extreme weather. Battery inspection also includes checking the cables for
cracks and brakes, the terminals for strong connections, and the battery fluid
level.
·
Tires - Measuring
tire tread and adjusting the tire pressure (if necessary). Assuring the tires
have proper tread will prevent slipping and sliding on the roads, which can
lead to accidents and injuries. Having two sets of tires is a great idea and
you can swap your tires at any dealership, tire store or auto-shop for a small
fee.
o
Snow
Tires – best for roads usually covered in snow and ice. Snow tires are
built for maximum grip with softer rubber, deep treads, and studs.
o
All-Season Tires – best for dry/wet
conditions and some snow and slush (under 4 inches). Do not count on all-season
tires for harsh winter conditions, especially ice.
·
Hoses and
Belts – Inspecting hoses and belts for cracks or excessive wear, since cold
weather may weaken hoses and belts, especially if they’re already cracking.
Other tips for safe winter driving:
·
Emergency kits – keep an emergency kit in your
car. The kit should include extra fuses, flashlight (and extra batteries), duct
tape, pliers, a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, tire inflator (i.e.
Fix-A-Flat), washer fluid, jumper cables, road flares, a quart of oil,
anti-freeze, a multi-purpose tool (i.e. Leatherman Tool), and a First-Aid
kit. You can find kits online starting
around $20 and take up minimum space in your trunk.
·
Blanket, gloves, hat, scarf and boots in the
trunk
·
Tire repair kit – usually newer vehicles have
these with a spare tire in the trunk
·
Contacts for roadside assistance and/or
insurance card in glove compartment
·
Keep your gas tank full
