 Snow
might be pretty to look at, but it sure makes vehicle maintenance — and driving
— more of a chore, doesn't it?
Here
are some tips that will make it a breeze to winterize your car:
- Check
windshield wiper blades to make sure they work properly. In some areas, snow blades
are an effective alternative to conventional wiper blades.
- Check
your anti-freeze/coolant to provide the correct level of protection required in
your driving area.
- Make
sure your tires are properly inflated. Letting air out to drive in snow can reduce
the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road surface
as it was designed to do. Over-inflation has the same effect.
- Use
dedicated snow and ice tires if you live in areas where snow and ice are certainties.
Snow and ice tires have a softer tread compound and a unique tread design to provide
enhanced traction and road-gripping capabilities. Install snow tires all the way
around the vehicle, not just on the drive axle.
- Keep
your gas tank at least half-full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems
within your fuel system. It also adds a margin of safety should you become stopped
or stranded during your trip.
- Battery —
Make sure terminals are clean and tightened. You can clean yourself with an old
toothbrush and a homemade mixture of baking soda and water. Batteries should be
replaced every three to four years. So, if you're uncertain if it's good to go for the upcoming
winter, have a trained technician test it for you. When shopping for new battery,
look for models that offer most starting power, higher cold cranking amps, and
reserve capacity to provide electrical energy when engine isn't running.
- Oil —
Change your oil grade for winter and/or subzero conditions. Check your owner's
manual and use lowest recommended grade for best all-weather protection, fuel
efficiency, and energy conservation.
- Remove
ice and snow from your shoes before getting in your vehicle. As it melts, it creates
moisture build-up, causing windows to fog on the inside. You can reduce this fogging
by turning the air re-circulation switch to the OFF position. This brings in drier,
fresh air. You can also run your air conditioner for a few minutes, which serves
as a dehumidifier. (CONTINUE...)
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