6 Steps to get your Car ready for Old Man Winter
When I woke up to snow falling last week there was no more denying that winter was going to be here way sooner then later. The time is here to dig out sweaters, coats, boots, hats, gloves and to get the car all ready for the next six months of cold, sleet, snow and slippery roads.
You want to be sure your car can transport you and your family safely in any weather conditions winter throws your way. Don’t procrastinate … be proactive!
Here are 6 steps you can take to get you and your car ready for winter driving.
- Clean your vehicle inside and out!
Wash and wax the outside. This preventative measure will protect the paint from the salt and abuse of winter and also make the snow and ice brush off easier. Do yourself a big favor and clean the inside of your car before it gets frigid cold out. Remove the debris that has collected over the summer. Vacuum the seats and floor, dust the dash, wash the windows and clean the upholstery. Because your windows will be closed for over 4-5 months, it’s a great idea to check out the cabin air filter and change it if it’s dirty. It’s also a good idea to get yourself some water-resistant rubber mats before the slush and mush ruin your carpeted mats. - Make sure you have superb visibility! Make sure the washer fluid is good to -20 degrees (and NEVER use just water – it will freeze all over your windshield and you won’t be able to see anything!). If you can’t remember the last time you changed the wiper blades, now is a good time to do it. They only last about six months, so I like to change them in the fall, and again in the spring.
- Make sure your heating system is functioning properly. Trust me, you do not want to be driving a car this winter without blasting heat and a working rear defroster.
- Tires!!! Need I remind you that The Tire is THE ONLY Part of your Auto that Touches The Ground?
Seriously, the cheapest winter tires are better then good all-season tires. Braking, acceleration and handling are all dependent on the tires when driving. Give yourself a huge advantage and make sure you have good tires.
- What about the battery?
The battery gives little notice before it leaves you stranded. Very cold temperatures can reduce your vehicle’s battery power by up to 50%. If your batter is older than three years, make sure you get it tested to see how much life is left in it. Have your technician also check the battery posts and connections to make sure they are free of corrosion.
- Get the antifreeze mixture right! Anitfreeze is very important to your car. It cools the engine and protects it from freezing in the cold weather. It also is key in providing heat to your fingers and toes while driving your car. The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water for the cooling system of your vehicle is 50 / 50. You also want to be sure you have antifreeze that works in frigid temperatures.
Be prepared for the next six months by winterizing your car. This will help you avoid the aggravation of breaking down on a snowy, frigid day and save you money in the long run.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:33 am
I always keep jumper cables in my car, just in case. I also keep a flashlight and an extra set of clothes (spare socks are key in the winter, especially). A good windshield brush/scraper is invaluable as well.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Jesse, you are correct… It’s a great idea to put together a Winter Survival Kit and keep it in the truck of your car.
-Jumper cables
-flashlight (keep this in the glove box)
-extra clothes & a warm blanket
-ice scaper & a snow brush
-extra windshield washer & paper towels
-a bag of sand or non-clumping kitty litter which you can use to get additional traction if a tire spins on ice or snow.
-flares & a first aide kit
-High protein, non-perishable foods such as protein bars, nuts and raisins. Make sure you have them in a mouse proof container!
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I actually keep a small tool roll in my car at all times too, just in case. I try to have zip ties, cotter pins, and a few basic tools. Not many people are as willing to crawl under their car on the side of the road as I am though, so it didn’t seem like it was worth mentioning. There are winter kits you can purchase online through Amazon as well.
I’ve gotten out of many, many snowy ditches with nothing more than a shovel. Start by shoveling snow out of the way so your car can move, and clear a small path so your car has somewhere to go without too much resistance, and put the shovel under one of the tires. It’ll give the tires something to grab onto rather than slipping and sliding all over the place. Once you’ve started moving the car, you’re as good as out. Go back and grab your shovel now (it may be pretty far away). Not recommended in crowded areas or areas with expensive … anything … around, and only really useful as a last-ditch effort since the shovel may try to fly away and hit your rear bumper instead.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Excellent post. Especially the onus on the tyres. Well done