Winter Car Care Tips
Driving in the winter can be difficult. Road conditions can
put extra wear and tear on your vehicle. That is why being prepared can save
time and money. Reduce the chance of you and your family members being stranded
or stuck in a dangerous situation.
Let’s start with some of the simple things that make winter
driving easier and safer.
1.
Wiper Blades:
Often one of the smallest and simplest items to care for that gets over looked.
Depending on whether you
live in the northern or southern area they should be replaced once a year. In
warm climates the rubber tends to
breakdown, and crack from the heat and lack of use, making them streak and blur
your vision just when you need
them the most. In colder and wetter climates they are all the more vital. Care
must be taken when it is snowing or
freezing to ensure that you do not use your wipers to clear
your windshield of snow and ice. Use your ice scraper and
or brush to remove ice and snow from your windshield or
you risk damaging your wiper motor or breaking the pivots
and linkage that operates your wipers.
2.
Washer Fluid:
Making sure your washer fluid is full and the
proper winter blend, not only helps keep your windshield
clean yet can also provide some assistance in slowing
ice build up.
3.
Tires:
Tires are probably one of the most important components on your vehicle. Every
tire has a wear indicator molded into the tire. If you look at the tread pattern
from the outside which contacts the road, then follow it towards the tire you
should notice an extra nub about a 1/8-1/4 of a inch from the bottom of the
tread pattern. If your tread is close to this extra nub it is time to replace
the tires. Now, choosing the correct tire for your needs is critical. If you
live in an area that gets snow then purchase good quality snow tires, and a good
tip here is to purchase a set of extra steel rims to mount them on. The added
cost now will pay for itself in the long run because you will not have to have
them mounted and then removed each year. This will also save wear and tear on
those nice shiny wheels you love and care for so much in the summer. If you feel
that All Season type radial tires are going to be sufficient for your driving
needs then a proper choice here will probably work for you all year. Proper tire
inflation will also save you money with better fuel economy. Check the side of
your tires or service manual for the recommended tire pressure. I cold weather
you may want a slightly lower tire pressure, which can help with traction in the
snow.
4.
Chains:
Will depend on your local area and weather
conditions. A must if you plan on traveling to the mountains to ski or
snow-board.
5.
Shovel:
Travel to the mountains
or anywhere off the
main roads it may get you out of jam.
[or snow bank]
6.
Sand:
A bag of sand can provide traction and extra weight in your trunk or pick-up
truck box. Salt and or a bag of kitty litter can do the same job.
7.
Emergency Kit:
Especially when traveling to the mountains or
any distance from home a kit with some rations can be a
life saver. Pack water, candy bars,
flashlight, matches,
small first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, spare batteries, and a couple of
blankets. There are sure to be other items you may want to bring, the more you
are prepared the better.
8.
Tune-up:
Preparing for winter can also mean having your car
looked at by a mechanic before the weather turns cold.
Air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, oil and filter change and
of course having your battery checked can all help with
easy starts when the weather gets cold.
9.
Gas Line
Anti-Freeze: A small amount of this added to your
fuel tank each time you fill-up can prevent moisture that comes from the gas
station. Build-up of these small amounts of moisture can freeze in winter and
cause fuel pump failure or a clog in the fuel line preventing the flow to the
motor. Either way this small amount of ice can leave you stranded at the worst
of times.
10.
Lock De-Icer:
This can be a real help, there is nothing more frustrating than not being able
to open your car door. These are usually
available in a small spray can, compact enough to fit in your glove box or even
in a purse for those little emergencies.
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All prices shown in Canadian funds.