Experts share winter car maintenance tips to keep you from getting stranded
Winter conditions have been unforgiving across the United States, wreaking havoc on everyone they affect. When the temperatures decrease, the snow begins to fall and the ice layers around us, people know they must brace for the elements.
Yet, often the importance of preparing your car for winter weather is overlooked. Our list of crucial car preparation highlights everything that you may have forgotten your car needs this winter.
Foremost, have you prepared an emergency kit? It may seem unnecessary to put together now, but when a flat tire or dead engine leaves you roadside, you will be thankful for these 10 essentials items:
Duct tape and kitty litter may sound odd, although consider small car hiccups that could be quickly addressed with duct tape. Kitty litter provides drivers with a non-abrasive material to use with stuck tires. Having this item ready for immediate use saves a driver lots of time when forced to deal with this situation.
Next, these necessary measures will keep your car healthy despite any conditions that it may endure. By going through this crucial car prep, you will be prepared for any winter weather that you and your car are forced to endure this winter season.
Car battery
A car’s battery should be replaced every three to five years, but it should be checked prior to every winter season. The status of a battery can be determined by the fluid level marked on the outside; if it reads as low, add distilled water. If your battery doesn’t require maintenance, be sure that it is fully charged. If you discover it is not fully charged, then the battery may be worn.
William Stark of Stark’s Auto Repair most often replaces batteries in the winter that were getting weak “and the cold weather just finished them off.”
Engine oil
The colder oil gets the more it thickens. When this happens the oil intended to keep an engine running smoothly fails to perform. To avoid polluting and overheating your car’s engine, be sure your engine contains oil specifically made to function in all weather.
Maintain proper tire pressure
As temperatures drop throughout the winter, so does your tire pressure, decreasing to volumes that cause your tires to wear at an accelerated rate. Worn tires fail to perform against the icy and wet elements of the winter. Don’t stall when you’re in need of new tires for your safety; when making the purchase, consider getting all-season tires to provide more traction.
Keep wiper blades in good condition
Wipers reveal they are worn when you begin to notice the spotting and streaking of winter weather that their blades now fail to remove from your windshield. In an attempt to extend the life of your current blades, you can use glass cleaner to wipe their rubber side. New wiper blades should be purchased at least once a year to provide the most visibility when driving throughout the winter.
Check your windshield washer fluid levels
A car is often dirtiest during the winter months. The salt and mud covering the road will consistently coat your car, requiring you to use more washer fluid. Prior to the start of winter weather, check your fluid levels to know when they will need to be refilled. Be sure not to make the mistake of filling the reservoir with water, which will quickly freeze in frigid conditions. Instead, always use windshield washer fluid.
Clean your vehicle consistently
A major misconception of critical car care in the winter is to avoid washing your car. It is often thought that a wash isn’t necessary when the vehicle will appear dirty again by nightfall. People fail to realize the important impact that a routine wash can have on your car. By removing the grime of salt and mud, you keep your car safe from corrosion and rusting.
Keep your gas tank filled
In the winter months, it is imperative to get in the habit of never letting the gas tank get lower than half full. A major reasons for this precaution is to prevent your gas lines from freezing. A plentiful tank also provides you more safety in the event you are stranded in cold conditions.
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For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
