Winterizing Your Car
Winter in cold climates is harsh on all vehicles.
From road salt to freezing rain, the winter months can wreak havoc on nearly every component of your car.
But by taking the proper measures before the snow sets in, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and angst later on.
Winterizing your car is relatively straightforward and certainly less expensive than repairing any damage the weather would otherwise cause.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the sleet and snow.
The first step you should take is assessing your tires' winter worthiness.
The acceleration, braking, and handling of both worn and high performance tires is greatly reduced by icy road conditions.
This not only puts your car at risk, but your own life as well.
Specialized winter tires will help reduce the effect of snow and ice on your car's performance.
They are far from a cure-all, but they will help significantly when you find yourself driving in less than favorable conditions.
Proper tire pressure, important in any season, is especially crucial in the winter months.
The cool weather will cause your tires' pressure to drop, as all gases contract when they cool.
Keep this in mind when cold fronts set in.
If your vehicle has a four-wheel-drive system, check it to be sure it's in working order.
4WD systems greatly enhance the handling of a vehicle in icy conditions, and so it is important that the system is operational whenever driving conditions call for its use.
Be sure that your car's oil levels are good and that you are using the car manufacturer's recommended winter oil type.
Oil viscosity is affected by temperature, so using the right type and amount of oil is especially crucial in the winter.
Check your radiator and make sure that it contains the right amount of antifreeze.
The right ratio of antifreeze to water is one-to-one, and it is at this concentration that your car will best perform in the winter.
This liquid will not freeze until temperatures drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit, so it is doubtful that you will struggle with a frozen radiator if you follow this simple step.
As visibility is of prime importance in winter driving conditions, check your wipers and wiper fluid level.
Consider replacing the blades if their performance is beginning to diminish.
Check your car's battery to be sure that it can survive the winter.
Temperature severely affects the performance of automotive batteries, reducing their effective capacity by up to fifty percent.
Also be sure that all of the engine belts and hoses are intact.
The health of both the battery and the belts and hoses should be assessed by an automotive professional.
From road salt to freezing rain, the winter months can wreak havoc on nearly every component of your car.
But by taking the proper measures before the snow sets in, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and angst later on.
Winterizing your car is relatively straightforward and certainly less expensive than repairing any damage the weather would otherwise cause.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the sleet and snow.
The first step you should take is assessing your tires' winter worthiness.
The acceleration, braking, and handling of both worn and high performance tires is greatly reduced by icy road conditions.
This not only puts your car at risk, but your own life as well.
Specialized winter tires will help reduce the effect of snow and ice on your car's performance.
They are far from a cure-all, but they will help significantly when you find yourself driving in less than favorable conditions.
Proper tire pressure, important in any season, is especially crucial in the winter months.
The cool weather will cause your tires' pressure to drop, as all gases contract when they cool.
Keep this in mind when cold fronts set in.
If your vehicle has a four-wheel-drive system, check it to be sure it's in working order.
4WD systems greatly enhance the handling of a vehicle in icy conditions, and so it is important that the system is operational whenever driving conditions call for its use.
Be sure that your car's oil levels are good and that you are using the car manufacturer's recommended winter oil type.
Oil viscosity is affected by temperature, so using the right type and amount of oil is especially crucial in the winter.
Check your radiator and make sure that it contains the right amount of antifreeze.
The right ratio of antifreeze to water is one-to-one, and it is at this concentration that your car will best perform in the winter.
This liquid will not freeze until temperatures drop well below zero degrees Fahrenheit, so it is doubtful that you will struggle with a frozen radiator if you follow this simple step.
As visibility is of prime importance in winter driving conditions, check your wipers and wiper fluid level.
Consider replacing the blades if their performance is beginning to diminish.
Check your car's battery to be sure that it can survive the winter.
Temperature severely affects the performance of automotive batteries, reducing their effective capacity by up to fifty percent.
Also be sure that all of the engine belts and hoses are intact.
The health of both the battery and the belts and hoses should be assessed by an automotive professional.
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