Winter is quickly approaching and now is a good time to get your vehicle ready for the winter season. A few simple checks can help ensure that you won’t break down in the snow and ice and will help keep you safe while driving in winter conditions.
- Check your windshield wipers. They only last for about 1 year and should be replaced regularly.
- Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is filled with an anti-freeze type washer fluid.
- Make sure your wipers are turned off whenever you park your car. Leaving them on when they are frozen to the windshield can cause damage to the wiper motor.
- A good tip is to leave them up over night so they cannot freeze to the windshield
- Another tip is to put a blanket between the windshield and wipers to keep them from getting stuck to the windshield. This also helps keep ice from building up on your windshield.
- Check the condition of your engine coolant (anti-freeze) using a coolant tester.
- Flush & refill if necessary.
- Check the condition of radiator and heater hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Check the condition of your battery as well as the condition of the battery cables.
- A load test can be performed to ensure your battery is in good working condition.
- Keeping your vehicle battery fully charged will ensure it starts on those cold winter mornings.
- Inspect the underside of your car looking for leaks and checking for anything that looks loose and should be repaired.
- Check exhaust system for leaks. If you’re stranded and running your car to keep warm carbon monoxide can build up in your vehicle if leaks are present.
- Inspect your vehicles brakes. Even braking with all 4 wheels will help keep you from sliding on slick roads while stopping.
- Remove debris from the air plenum below the windshield and in any other place that debris collects such as a sun roof or trunk lid.
- Leaks or corrosion can occur as debris begins to decompose and causes rust.
- Tires should have M+S or All Season tread and be in good condition. In some parts of the country snow tires are common and may be a good idea.
- Check your tire pressure. When it gets cold the air pressure in your tires will get lower. A tire will lose roughly 1 pound per 10 degrees when it gets cold.
- Check to see that each tire valve has a cap on it to keep water and ice out.
- Keep a survival kit in the trunk. Include things like:
- Blankets , sleeping bag, warm clothing, gloves, ski mask, long underwear, boots.
- Water and snacks such as candy, raisins, nuts, jerky.
- Source of heat such as a candle, can heater, hand warmers.
- Matches – some lighters won’t work if they get too cold.
- Knife, container for melting snow for drinking water
- Radio, flashlight, extra batteries
- Phone and external power source for charging.
- Jumper cables, tire chains, bucket of sand.
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