Harsh environmental factors—like too much cold and snow—can easily lead to rapid wear to a number of your car’s parts. As a result, you may unexpectedly start experiencing problems such as engine clogs and rusting. But, once you prepare your car for winter in advance, these problems will be the last of your worries. Examples of ways through which you can start preparing include:
- CHANGE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID: Since cars normally have two wiper fluid blends each of which has different compositions, you should make sure to change the fluid to the current weather conditions. Summer blends mainly consists of water while the winter blend has alcohol added to the water. This ensures that you have the right windshield wiper fluid so it doesn’t freeze as soon as it hits your ice cold windshield. If possible, purchase winter fluid that contains de-icing properties.
- HAVING ENOUGH ANTI-FREEZE: During winter, it’s highly probable that the water in the radiator may start to freeze. Once it freezes, it’ll become impossible for it to flow freely enough for it to cool the engine. As a result, the engine may overheat and lock up. Make sure to use anti-freeze instead of water.
- EMERGENCY KITS: Lots of unpredictable and unexpected things can happen during the winter. Therefore it’s a wise idea to load the car with essential items that can come in handy when the worst happens. Examples of things that you should have in your trunk are tire chains, jumper cables, a shovel, flares, gloves, warm boots, a jacket, phone charger, extra cash, some snacks/food and water.
- INSPECT THE BRAKES: It doesn’t matter whether you are driving a front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive car, in winter, when the roads are full of ice, all kinds of vehicles end up losing their traction much faster. If you inspect the brakes in advance, and ascertain that they are good to go, then, you shouldn’t worry about having braking problems or getting into accidents.
- ROTATE THE TIRES: The key purpose for rotating and aligning the tires is to keep them from wearing down at the same spot. When tires aren’t rotated or aligned, they end up developing an uneven tread which may in the long run, especially during the winter, hamper the car’s ability to maintain grip and control.
- INSPECT AND/OR CHANGE THE BATTERY: Since cold temperatures cause a reduction in a battery’s cranking power, if your current car battery is over four years old, you should replace it. You should also check the battery’s cables, tie down brackets and tray for corrosion and do the necessary repairs and/or replacements.
- FUEL-UP: During the winter, you shouldn’t let your fuel tank go below half a tank. An almost empty tank can result in the formation of condensation which may cause the engine to run poorly.
