Car Preparation Tips for Winter

  • Car Preparation Tips for Winter

    14

    Oct

    Car Preparation Tips for Winter
    , ,

    winter

    Image by Ina Hoekstra from Pixabay

    It’s October and we are only a month away from winter.  The sudden change into extreme weather can take a toll on your vehicle. That is why we came up with this article.

    We do not want you to face the winter unprepared. So, here are a few tips to prepare your car for winter. Read on!

     

    Check the battery.

    Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

    The colder weather makes it harder for the battery to work. Check your battery by doing a volt test. Through this, you will be able to determine if your battery can endure the winter months. Never skip this step or you could be stuck in the middle of the freezing road with a dead battery.

     

    Use a block heater.

    Image by andreas160578 from Pixabay

    A block heater is recommended if you live in a climate that reaches -15oC. The block heater keeps your engine warm so that it is easier for it to jumpstart even in extremely cold temperatures.

     

    Check your tires.

    Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

    If you live in an area with an extreme climate, make sure to change into snow tires. AWD vehicles are useful but they also find it difficult to turn or brake. If snow tires are not your thing, you can check your tire wear and pressure, and change it if necessary.

    Do a car wash.

    Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

    The winter months come with their own dirt and grime including slush, snow, salt, sand, and ice. Though you are not in the mood to do it, we say that it is best to wash your car.

    Give your vehicle a good wash and wax before the winter hits. This will prevent rust from building up.

    Regularly check your front grille and tire area for any dirt and clean it as soon as possible.

    Check the lights

    Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

    Winter months mean darker roads and less visibility. Check if all of your lights are working. If you see any yellowish, foggy or dead bulb, replace it immediately. Before leaving, remove any ice or snow from your lights.

    Measure the engine oil.

    Image by Vachagan Malkhasyan from Pixabay

    One of the most important things to check is the engine oil. See if there is enough oil and if its consistency is still good. Use an engine oil that is best for the vehicle type that you are driving. The engine oil is crucial in the overall performance of the vehicle.

    Check the radiator.

    Image by Vachagan Malkhasyan from Pixabay

    Coolant or antifreeze works to keep your engine from freezing in the winter. Check the radiator for the coolant levels and if there are leaks that may cause transmission failure.

    Fill up the gas.

    Image by Michael Gaida from Pixabay

    Always fill the gas tank during the winter. It keeps water from building up in the fuel pump.

    Windshield wipers

    Image by Pexels from Pixabay

    Windshield wipers can usually last for a year. These are important in the winter season to keep your windshield from ice, snow, and dirt. Beam blade type of windshield wipers works better than regular ones.

    Along with the wipers, make sure there is plenty of washer fluid. It keeps the windshield clear and visible by removing sand and salt.

    Inspect the climate control.

    Image by MikesPhotos from Pixabay

    Always check the defroster and climate control. These are important during winter. The defroster keeps your windows from getting icy or foggy. The climate control keeps you warm and comfortable.

    Bring an emergency kit.

    Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

    No one knows when emergencies will happen. And you do not want to be in an emergency somewhere in the middle of a dark, freezing road. The best that you can do is be prepared.

    To avoid being stuck in an undesirable situation, bring an emergency kit in your car. This should include flashlight, blanket, water, food, shovel, jumper cables, power bank, and salt or sand.

     

    And that was about it. We hope that we have helped you with these winter car care tips. You are sure to be ready for the coming winter.

    If this post has been helpful, feel free to share it on social media. You can also leave a comment below.

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