Seven Tips To Make Sure Your Car Is Ready For Harsh Weather
Posted: 4/17/2010
Synthetic oils are designed to protect your engine at all operating temperatures.(NAPSA)-Winterizing your car can help prevent the problems caused by freezing
temperatures and difficult driving conditions.
"For most of the country, winter is the harshest time of year for vehicles,"
says Jim MacPherson, car care expert and automotive radio host for WTIC in
Connecticut. "Simple preparation can go a long way toward making your car safer
during the winter months. Following a winterization checklist before the cold
settles in will save you headaches and money."
Here's a quick list to be sure to check twice if you want to give your vehicle
the best chances of a smooth, safe ride through winter.
- Check the battery. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, batteries lose a significant
amount of power, and continue to get weaker as the temperature drops. Keep the
surfaces of the battery clean and make sure all the connections are tight. If
your car is a few years old, you may want to have a technician check the
charging system to ensure it is ready for the cold.
- Check the oil. Synthetic oils are specifically designed to protect your
engine in all operating temperatures. For faster engine start-ups during cold
weather, use a synthetic such as Mobil 1 5W-30, which flows significantly faster
than conventional 5W-30 oils at 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Mobil 1 has the ability
to provide protection and perfor_mance in demanding conditions even at
temperatures as low as negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check the antifreeze. The level and freshness of your vehicle's antifreeze
are crucial during the winter, protecting the engine from freezing as well as
from rust and corrosion damage. Make sure the engine and coolant system are cool
before you begin checking; opening a hot radiator is dangerous. If the
antifreeze is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water.
- Check the tires. As the weather cools, air in your tires will contract.
Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Too little pressure can increase
wear and fuel consumption; too much pressure can reduce traction, especially in
icy conditions. To maintain proper tire pressure, fill them up to their
recommended PSI rating, which can be found on the driver's side doorjamb,
inside the door that covers the gas cap, on the inside of the glove box door or
in the owner's manual. Also, make sure you have plenty of tread left and
replace any tires that look worn.
- Check rubber belts and hoses. In low temperatures, rubber tends to stiffen
and is prone to breaking and cracking. Check the tension on the vehicle's belts
and make sure they aren't dry-rotted or too tight. Next, feel all the hoses
once the engine has completely cooled and make sure they aren't soft and
spongy, too rigid or leaking.
- Check the wiper blades and heater settings. Most windshield wiper blades
are only good for a year. Check and clean the wiper blades. If the wipers are
worn and smudge the windshield, they need to be replaced; frost or freezing rain
mixed with worn wipers hinders your visibility and is extremely dangerous. Also,
be sure to test out the heater and defroster. Make sure all settings are working
properly before the harsh winter weather strikes.
- Stock the car with "winter" items. Be smart and prepare ahead of time for
unexpected problems. Be sure the following items are stocked in your trunk,
especially if you live in an area that frequently weathers winter storms: ice
scraper to clear the windows, headlights and taillights; battery jumper cables;
first-aid kit; small shovel; blankets; gloves; and a bag of salt or sand to add
weight and improve traction.
"In addition to following these winter survival tips, you should always drive
gently while your vehicle is warming up, and be sure to drive more slowly when
there's snow or ice on the ground," says MacPherson. "Being cautious and doing
simple maintenance will keep yourself and your vehicle stress-free."
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