Travelers witness numerous weather-related hazards each year, all of which contribute to a significant number of accidents. As temperatures drop and snow begins to blanket the roads, there has never been a better time to winterize your car.
While most drivers remember to check tires and stock up on the de-icer, there could be small yet critical tasks overlooked when prepping your car. Your conscientiousness can make all the difference in staying safe, warm, and stress-free this season!
Prepare for the worst when it comes to winter, as you never know what you are going to get! Here are some winter car prep tips drivers are inclined to forget about, all from trusted experts and government recommendations.
Switching to Winter Tires
Winter tires are ideal for this time of year. Goodyear recommends swapping out your all-season tires “from Thanksgiving to Tax Day.”
All-season tires can become less effective as temperatures fall below 45°F. Snow tires are highly recommended for improved traction, handling, and braking. And if you don’t drive regularly in winter, tire chains might be your better option.
Packing a Winter Car Kit
We often don’t think about keeping supplies in our car until it’s too late. Instead of extreme weather events having you stranded, pack a winter car kit to make things less stressful.
You can buy a premade kit, like the American Automobile Association (AAA)’s Winter Roadside Emergency Kit, with all the essentials or put one together yourself.
Testing the Car Battery
Testing your car battery can protect against unexpected failures. It might be fine in summer, but by the time winter rolls around, it could be causing you problems.
“While an individual can easily test certain things on the car themselves, at-home testing only goes so far,” Garrett Tortelli, a senior category manager at Batteries Plus, tells Lifehacker. “Some testing, like simulating an engine starting—known as a ‘load test’—should be checked by a professional with the right tools and safety precautions.”
Changing Oil Regularly
Regularly changing your oil will prevent damage to your engine, as the cold weather can cause the oil to become thicker and less effective. Choose a winter-grade oil with a lower viscosity to ensure your engine runs smoothly.
It is best to seek advice for the most suitable oil for your specific vehicle.
Lubricating the Car
The elements can freeze and corrode your car, which is why lubrication is so important to ensure everything remains in good working order.
The Family Handyman recommends lubricating these often overlooked car parts: the window tracks, the door weather stripping, the hood latch, the lock cylinders, the door hinge, and the fuel tank door and cap.
Keeping the Fuel Up
It’s best not to let your gas tank run too low in winter. Otherwise, there could be a risk of ice forming on the inside due to the moisture an empty tank carries.
Keeping more fuel in your tank could stop any problems associated with your fuel lines, according to Robert Sinclair, spokesperson for AAA.
Switching to Winter Wiper Blades
Winter wiper blades provide the best visibility, even on snowy days. They are more sturdy and shouldn’t freeze up or malfunction when driving in poor weather conditions.
These wipers come with a protective layer of rubber, which helps them move more efficiently across the windshield. Consider investing in a high-quality pair with the changing season.
Topping Up Windshield Washer Fluid
Check that you use the correct windshield washer fluid for this time of year. All-season windshield wiper fluid freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Auto Glass Express, while heavy-duty de-icing fluids are suitable in conditions as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s best to avoid saline solutions, as constant exposure can damage glass, and opt for an anti-fog and ice mix.
Checking Tires
Bald tires are going to make driving in the snow a pain. You can do the quarter test to check the tire treadwear. Insert a quarter into the groove of your tire. If the tread doesn’t touch George Washington’s head, it’s time to think about replacing your tires.
If you find any tire damage, like cuts, punctures, or bulges, take your tires to a tire service professional. You’d also want to check your tire pressure, which can fluctuate in extreme weather conditions.
Washing the Car Regularly
Hail, sleet, and snow are not enough to clean our cars. If your roads are routinely salted, you will need to get scrubbing!
The salt can get inside the body and frame of the car and cause it to rust, according to Mia Bevacqua, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician at CarParts.com.
Bringing Spare Clothing
In case you get stuck somewhere or need to find help, keeping extra clothing on hand is a lifesaver. A warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and blanket will help if you get into trouble.
The blanket will also be appreciated by guests or others who have to sit in the backseat. So don’t forget to stock up!
Getting a Professional Inspection
DIY checks are a necessity but will only get you so far. Be sure to schedule a professional inspection to assess your vehicle and identify any potential issues you may have overlooked.
It’s better to be safe than sorry! After the inspection, you can rest assured your car is safe to take out on the roads.
