Winterizing My Car

Now that winter is here you need to get your car ready for winter. Here are some tips that may help you to winterizing your car:

1.   Check the tires and the spare. If your tires are worn out, you should replace them with newer tires. Worn tires do not provide much traction and do not handle well on wet or icy roads. The same is true for high performance tires. If you have high performance tires, you should consider putting snow tires on your car for the winter. You should also check the air pressure in your tires. Cold air makes the air in tires contract and that contraction may make the tire air pressure too low.

2.  Check the battery. Very cold temperatures can drastically reduce the power of your battery. You should have the battery tested at a certified repair shop. You should also check the posts and connections on your battery to make sure they are free of debris.

3.  Change the oil in the car. Many car makers recommend using less thick oil during the winter, so check your cars manual to get the correct weight of oil for winter driving.

4.  Check the belts and hoses. Replace any that show wear and tear. You do not want to get stranded in the cold weather because of a broken belt or hose in your vehicle.

5.  Check the mixture of antifreeze. Ideally, there should be equal parts of antifreeze and water. You can purchase a tester for the antifreeze at most auto parts stores.

6.  Check the brakes, lights, heater and defroster and make any necessary repairs.

7.  Replace the wiper blades preferably with winter blades and fill the washer fluid reservoir.

8.  Check the 4WD on your automobile, if applicable. It should engage properly.

In addition to the above, there are several items you should put in your car in preparation for the cold temperatures and snow.  Here is a list:

1.  An emergency road kit including a blanket, flashlight, flares, etc.

2.  A first aid kit.

3.  A tool kit and jumper cables.

4.  A snow brush, ice scraper, small snow shovel, etc.

5.  A bag of sand or non-clumping car litter to use for added traction if your car gets stuck.

6.  Some extra clothes such as warm socks, a hat, gloves, boots, and blankets to keep you warm if your car gets stuck.

7.  A small supply of water and food such as hard candy, nuts, and energy bars, and dried foods in case you get stranded.

8. Make sure you have a charger in your glove compartment for your fully charged cell phone.

When the temperatures get below freezing, remember to keep your gas tank full. This will prevent moisture from freezing the gas lines in your automobile. You should keep your cell phone charged in case you get stuck. Keep an aerosol de-icer with you in case the door locks on your car freeze. Do not keep the de-icer in the auto, truck suv, or van. It will not do you any good in the car when you are outside trying to get in.