It’s time for Christmas with the cranks and, no, I don’t mean the 2004 Tim Allen film. We’re talking about that low droning rrr, rrr, rrrrrr of your engine that leaves you wondering if it will ever start. If temperatures are dropping, and it looks like snow will soon fall, the time has come to give your car a cold weather overhaul. Winter weather brings winter car woes, but with a little preparation, you can have your vehicle ready for the cold, snow, and ice.
- Tires: Winter weather means slick roads, so one of the first areas of attention for your vehicle is the first point of contact it makes with the road. Begin your tire maintenance by checking your treads. An easy test is to insert a penny between the treads so that Lincoln’s face can be seen. If you can see most of the head above the treads, it’s probably time to think about new tires. And while you’re considering replacing them, you may want to look at either all-weather or winter weather tires. You should also monitor and top off tire pressure.
- Battery: Extreme cold can drain your battery from 30%-60%, and while your battery recharges when the car is running, a car that has been sitting in the cold may not start on a weak battery. It is, therefore, a good idea to run a load test on your car’s battery before cold weather hits.
- Brakes: Cold weather causes stress on brake systems. Road salt and moisture can lead to rust on rotors. To keep brakes in tiptop shape, have them checked before winter weather hits. Top off your brake fluid, check the rotors, and make sure your pads are in good condition.
- Fluids: Three key fluids that should be checked for winter are your oil (good idea to change it before winter), your antifreeze, and the often overlooked wiper fluid. Wiper fluid designed specifically for cold weather is important in areas where temperatures are extreme and snow is prevalent. Road salts can quickly accumulate on your windshield and may need to be washed off frequently, but regular wiper fluid can make the situation worse by freezing on contact. One other fluid that is critical to note is gas. In cold weather, gas tanks that are less than half full can build up moisture, which can cause problems. Keep your tank at least half-full during winter to prevent moisture effects.
- Wiper blades: First, be sure that your wipers are in good condition in case of snow and ice. If you live in an area where snow is frequent, you might consider special winter blades that are designed to keep snow from sticking to or packing against the blade, thus causing visibility problems.
- Headlights: Days are shorter in winter and gray days often mean less visibility even when there is light. To maximize driving visibility, you should check all bulbs and replace those that are out or produce a weak beam. You should also routinely check and clean all light lenses, which can become clouded over with road salt and grime.
- Winter safety kit: If you live or travel in areas of extreme cold, it’s important to have an emergency kit in your car. Some of the items your kit should include are: a snow shovel, ice scraper, road flares, water and non-perishable food, a flashlight, spare batteries, a sleeping bag, an extra phone charger, a bag of cat litter or sand (for traction when stuck), gloves, a warm hat, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
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Written by Ivan Young in partnership with IMS Bolt industrial maintenance supply.
