Winter can be rough on cars and their drivers. Even those of us fortunate enough to live in the moderate climate of the South must face cold and even severe weather on occasion. Taking a few simple steps to prepare your car for the weather can make nasty conditions safer and a lot more tolerable. Here’s a list of things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming cold season, however long or short it may be.
Check your tires! A good amount of tread on your tires will give you better grip than an old worn out pair of tires. Take a look at the grooves in your tires and make sure that the tire has not worn down to the tire wear bars. You can check your tire wear by inserting a penny into the tire tread. If you can see the top of the Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires. You should also check the air pressure in your tires. Cold temperatures cause the air in the tires to condense, lowering the air pressure. Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in reduced gas mileage, decreased tire life, and poor handling, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Gain weight! Not you – your car! If you have a rear wheel drive car, or a car with high performance tires, you are at greater risk of skidding on slippery roads than those with front or all wheel drive vehicles. Rear wheel drive cars do not have much weight positioned over the rear of the car and, therefore, not much pressure on the rear wheels to keep them from skidding. In places where winter is an actual season, people typically solve this problem with snow tires and adding weight to the rear of the car. In the South, you can skip the snow tires, but consider throwing a large bag of kitty litter in your trunk. Not only will it add weight over the rear wheels, but you can place a handful of it under your tires to provide traction if you get stuck on a patch of ice. But, don’t think you are off the hook if you have a front or all wheel drive vehicle. They may work a little better on snow, but EVERYTHING slides when it hits ice! Always drive slowly and cautiously in winter weather.
Get a Check-Up! A mechanical breakdown during the summer is usually just a nuisance, but breaking down in the winter can be very dangerous. Your car’s engine performs differently during the winter, especially in very cold conditions. Make sure your car is in top working order before cold temperatures hit. Have your mechanic check the hoses, coolant, oil, hydraulic and transmission fluids. Also check your starter, battery alternator & drive belts to make sure your electrical system is up to task of starting the engine in colder weather.
Make sure you can see! Inspect & clean your lights to make sure they are working properly, since you will be driving more at night. Replace your windshield wipers, if needed, and clean your windows regularly to maximize visibility. Put fresh windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir. (Never use plain water, as it will freeze.) Use a plastic ice scraper or defrost to clear your windshield. Do not use your wipers, as this will wear them out very quickly.
Be prepared! It’s not just for Boy Scouts anymore. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your vehicle already, make one. You never know when you might get stranded. Always have a flashlight, ice scrapper, jumper cables, water, snacks, first aid kit, gloves, blanket & charged cell phone. Flares can also be used to signal for help and warn other cars of your presence on a dark road. Make sure there is air in the spare tire, and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.
Winter driving can be challenging, if not downright hazardous. By winterizing your car, you are prepared for whatever weather or situation you may encounter. Drive safely!
