Preparing Your vehicle For Winter
August 19th, 2011A treacherous road condition during winter is really a bane to all drivers. Driving through snow and sleet doubles the travel time, or even worse, you and your car may even wind up immobilized due to the extreme conditions.
While moving to some region with warmer climate may be the permanent solution, there will always be certain precautions that are more realistic and achievable for drivers living in winter lands. To really make it through the snow season without major issues, here are some suggestions:
Check the Battery. Fact: Cold temperature decreases the performance of the car’s battery. To avoid this situation, you may want to obtain a plug-in charger. Hook it up at night and fix it for your battery and in the morning you will be assured of a charged battery. It’s also vital that you have your car’s battery and electrical system tested once in a while. If the battery is nearly Three years old, it may be a good idea to have it tested at local service stations on a regular basis.
Check your Anti-Freeze. Good anti-freeze protects water within the radiator system against freezing and boosts the boiling point of the water in the radiator system. To prevent it from leaking, it’s best to look at your anti-freeze a couple of times a year. Experts also advise to change your anti-freeze every Two to three years to keep it from wearing down. Anti-freeze is generally diluted with water following an estimate of 50/50 normal ratio. Check the directions in your specific brand to understand the exact proper mix.
Pressure Check for Leaks. Performing a pressure check can wash away any impurities such as rust that could clog the vehicle’s system. Be sure to inspect the air conditioning for just about any visible leaks, especially around the water pump, radiator, hoses, freezing plugs, heater core, and clamps. If you see the belts are worn out, change it immediately. Frayed belts cannot drive the water pump, regardless of how new or unclogged your system is.
Oil. Synthetic oil works well in both low and high temperatures. While conventional oil might lose its viscosity during the bitter winter, caffeine makeup of synthetic oil keeps the lubrication fluid from freezing up, bringing on better lubrication of engine parts.
Tires. You might want to switch to all weather tires or get specially made snow tires for better handling when driving with the slippery and snowy roads. Keep your regular tires though because all weather tires aren’t advisable for prolonged normal road use. You may also attach snow chains to tires for increased traction.
Windshield Blades. Proper windshield blades can help you save from a snowstorm over a good engine and cooling system can. Remember that visibility is paramount to accident avoidance.
For you, it’s best to keep a flashlight, a cell phone, along with a medical kit in your car, in case the elements is simply too much to bear for your vehicle. Think about survival, so stack up on essential items that can help you get through any unforeseen accidents or situations while driving before winter months ends.