Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Holiday Travel
Winter can be the harshest time of year for your vehicle. According to The Car Care Council, 70 percent of drivers do not winterize their vehicles when colder temperatures arrive. Freezing temperatures, road salt, slush and snow can wreak havoc on all vehicle systems.
The car care experts at Jiffy Lube recommend the following tips for making sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road for family gatherings this holiday season:
* Make sure the battery is strong
Make sure that your battery connections are tight and free of corrosion and have it tested to ensure it has ample power to withstand the cold. A weak battery is less reliable and can take longer to start your car on cold mornings. Start the car with the heater, lights and window defrosters turned off in order to minimize battery strain.
* Pay attention to oil grade
Most vehicle owner’s manual specifies the correct grade of motor oil for your vehicle during certain driving conditions and seasons. During the winter, this may mean an even lighter grade than usual. Motor oil lubricates the engine, keeping it cool and reducing the friction between moving parts. When motor oil gets too dirty, it loses some of its lubrication and absorption abilities. Check with your owners’ manual for the proper weight of oil and maintenance schedule your vehicle specifies for winter-driving conditions.
* Check your antifreeze/coolant
Replacing vital fluids such as antifreeze and coolant can keep your engine from freezing. The primary purpose of antifreeze is to help control the temperature of a vehicle’s engine and helps protect it during extreme cold starts. Check your owners’ manual for how often these fluids should be replaced and have them topped-off frequently throughout the winter.
* Clean the engine air filter
The air filter is a vehicle’s lung. A clean air filter helps the engine combust an optimal air-to-fuel mixture, making it run more smoothly and efficiently. When your air filter is clogged, your engine has to work harder and therefore is not operating at peak performance. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find out when it needs to be replaced.
* Keep an eye on tire pressure
Under-inflated or worn tires can lead to potentially dangerous driving situations, especially when roadways are impacted by winter storms. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure levels as recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual. Most cars also have these pressure levels posted inside your driver’s side door. Do not follow the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire, as this number is specific to the tire, not the vehicle.
* Watch the wiper blades
The normal life expectancy for most windshield wiper blades is 6 to 12 months. Check and clean the windshield wiper blades by wiping them with alcohol or replace them if necessary. Checking and replacing them as needed can improve visibility to help avoid a very dangerous situation out on the road – particularly in snowy and stormy conditions.
* In case of emergency
Maintain a vehicle emergency kit with winter-specific items in the event of a breakdown during winter driving season. Essentials should include a first aid kit, jumper cables, extra batteries, an ice scraper, extra wiper fluid, blankets and bottled water. During your vehicle check-ups, it’s a good rule of thumb to take a look inside the kit and replenish anything that you’ve utilized.
Visit Jiffy Lube to find your local service center. |
