A chill is creeping into the air, slowly but surely. And that can only mean one thing. You better know how to winterize your car, because Old Man Winter is nearly here!
At Virgin Experience Gifts, we’re big advocates of burnin’ rubber with fast, fun driving experiences. But we also insist on putting safety first and foremost. So as the exhaust and excitement of prime pedal-to-the-metal season comes to a close in many U.S. states, give this a think. Then put the thought into action…
Tune-ups, oil changes, and other routine maintenance check-ups are essential to keep vehicles in safe, solid working order throughout the year. But with the annual threat of dropping temperatures and harsher weather conditions, it’s especially important to prepare your car for winter months.
Have a look at this checklist and get to it!
Essential ways to winterize your car:
- Snow/Storm tires – Investing in these gems allow your vehicle added traction in adverse driving conditions. Splicing is another way to get some extra grip out of your tires. A winter safety alternative is to use chains or studs on your tires — but be aware that lawful use of these options may vary from state to state, due to the amount of wear and tear they cause to roads.
- Tire pressure – When the temps drop, so does your tire pressure. Check this periodically to optimize tire stability, responsiveness and lifespan.
- Windshield fluid – It may seem like a no-brainer but this winter car care tip is often overlooked. Use actual wiper fluid to spritz your windshield clean in the winter, if you don’t already. And always keep it topped up so your visibility is in tip-top shape!
- Wiper blades – These puppies will see a lot of action in the cold, snowy months. So while you’re winterizing your car’s windshield fluid supply regularly, also keep an eye on your wiper blades and replace them if necessary.
- Defrosting units – Driving in adverse conditions is tough enough as it is. Don’t make it tougher just because you can’t see properly. A mega winter safety tip is ensuring your defroster is functioning well, so that you can quickly and effectively clear your windshield and rear window, as well as thaw snow and ice.
- Battery – Testing a car’s battery tells you how much juice (charge level) is left to withstand cold temperatures. Also check battery cables and fluid to be sure all elements are in good working order.
- Engine oil – Routine oil changes are a must-do to keep a vehicle’s engine running smoothly. This truth is trump when it comes to winterizing your car. If you live in a climate that dips below freezing, switch to a thinner oil during chilly months. Your mechanic should be in the know on when to make this move.
- Belts and hoses – Unfortunately, car parts are not yet invincible, so cold temperatures can weaken these engine essentials. While examining these is generally part of routine mechanical inspections (roughly every 30K miles), a particularly important aspect of winter car care.
- Engine coolant – Vehicles need a certain coolant/antifreeze to water ratio in the winter, to protect from overheating in cold temperatures (often 60% to 40%, respectively). Ask an experienced service professional to make sure your combo is up to par as you winterize your car.
- Gas tank – Keep this bad boy full. Failing to do so can cause condensation droplets to drip into the gas, and work their way towards fuel lines. Should these fuel lines freeze, gas won’t be able to flow to the engine. And where will you be going? Noooowhere.
- Heating system – Driving in the cold is not very delightful, and it can also be very dangerous. Shivering causes the body to tense up, so reaction times can be much slower than usual (or needed!). It can also cause distracted driving. So at the top of winter safety tips is to make sure your car can reach a state of warm and toasty.
- Lock de-icer – No one likes getting locked out of the car. Even if it is Mother Nature’s fault. Just do yourself a favor (because who hasn’t been there?): keep the de-icer safely stashed in a purse, backpack, garage — anywhere that’s not the inside of your car.
- Roadside emergency car kit – This is the high-five of winter safety tips, so to speak. Because should you get stuck somewhere in the winter, you will probably want to high-five yourself for having it handy. Pick and choose what will best suit your needs, considering items like: flairs, jumper cables or a portable battery jump starter unit, ice scraper, shovel, gloves, flashlight, blankets, wiper fluid, boots, engine coolant, bungee cord, radio, water, and granola bars.
So, now that you’ve got a handle on expert ways to winterize your car — go beat Jack Frost at his own game.
Then reward yourself by indulging in nice, warm thoughts over a cozy cup of hot cocoa.
