How to Winterize Your Car
December 16th, 2015 by Eli P
Winter storms are starting to appear all over the U.S., and that means it’s time to take a few simple steps to protect your engine, your car and your safety during the long winter months
Protect Your Engine from the Cold
Start by making sure your engine has what it needs to operate efficiently during cold weather.
- Change Your Oil. Cold weather can influence the internal temperature and performance of your engine. If the temperature in your area regularly drops below freezing, switch to a thinner, less viscous oil.
- Use the Right Engine Coolant. Before the weather gets too cold, make sure your coolant contains ethylene glycol, which helps protect your engine. Also use the right mix of water and coolant. For most vehicles, the best winter ratio is 60% coolant to 40% water. Check with your car manual or mechanic to be sure.
- Check the Battery. To ensure your battery will start in cold weather, inspect the cables and terminals for cracks, breaks or loose fittings, and make sure the battery fluid is at the recommended level. If you regularly have problems starting your car, check the battery’s manufacture date to see whether a replacement is needed.
Protect the Exterior of Your Car
To minimize weather-related damage to the exterior of your car:
- Use a Windshield Treatment. Driving on wet, snowy, dirty roads can cause a lot of buildup on the windshield. To clear off cold, heavy grime, make sure your washer fluid includes an antifreeze solution.
- Get Some Door Lock De-Icer. If it gets cold enough, door locks can freeze and break your key if you try to force them open. To prevent getting locked out of your car keep a supply of glycerin, which helps de-ice frozen locks, at home (not in your car) and at work.
- Protect the Paint and Body. Winter, snow, dirt and salt can damage your car’s paint and undercarriage. To help protect the paint and prevent rust, apply a fresh coat of wax before the first snow and wash your car regularly during the winter months. Wash the wheel wells and underbody to prevent road salt buildup.
- Install Snow Tires. In areas of heavy snowfall, safety dictates installing four snow tires on your car. Do not mix two snow tires with two regular tires, as this may compromise their performance. In areas with moderate to light snowfall, all-season tires may be sufficient.
Keep an Emergency Kit in the Trunk
Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your car can be a lifesaver during winter conditions. First, make sure you have a reliable spare tire and the tools to change it. Then, assemble an emergency kit with the following items:
- Blankets and gloves
- Chains
- Extra engine coolant
- Extra oil
- Flashlight and flares
- Jumper cables
- Extra washer fluid
Winterizing your car can help it get through the inclement weather in good condition and keep you from getting stranded in a potentially dangerous situation. If winter weather does end up causing body damage to your car, bring into the auto body experts at Fix Auto for fast, affordable repairs.
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