Winter is just around the corner. Is your car prepared? Mechanical
failure or other car problems can be deadly in winter conditions. If
you live in a climate that is subjected to harsh winter weather, now is
the time to prepare your car. The Better Business Bureau offers the
following tips:
-
Check your battery, especially if you are within one year of your
warranty. Make sure the cables are clean of corrosion and that the
connections are tight. It takes a lot more power to start your car when
it is cold outside.
- Make
sure your coolant system is working efficiently. Cars can overheat in
the winter as well as in the summer. Check the level, pH and
concentration of radiator fluids. A mixture of 50% anti-freeze and 50%
water will protect down to –40 degrees Fahrenheit; do not exceed 70%
anti-freeze or overheating may occur.
- Be sure your
tires are good. Thin or uneven tread wear does not provide good
traction and can be very dangerous in winter weather. If there is
uneven wear on the treads, you should have your alignment checked by a
professional.
- If you live where the weather gets
extremely cold, adding a de-icer to your fuel can keep moisture in the
fuel system from freezing.
- Change your oil and oil
filter. Check you owner’s manual for the different grades of oil that
are recommended for winter. In most cases, a 10w30 oil will work for
normal as well as for short periods of winter temperature.
- Have
a professional inspect and replace your air filter, rubber hoses and
drive belts. Old, damaged or loose hoses and belts can cause your
automobile to be inoperable in severe weather conditions.
- Inspect all lights to assure they are working properly.
- Check
your wipers and washers. Make sure your wipers are in good working
order and your washers are filled with windshield washer fluid that is
appropriate for cold weather. You may want to consider replacing your
wiper blades to winter blades. These blades can function well under
extreme cold and snowy conditions.
- Be sure your heater and defroster are working properly for passenger comfort and visibility.
Car safety supplies are very important during the winter due to the
extreme temperatures. Equip your car with an ice scraper, spare bottle
of washer fluids, boots, gloves, flares, blankets, flashlight with
spare batteries, a small shovel and some sand or kitty litter for
traction.