Important Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winter magnifies existing problems.  Taking a few simple steps now can save you the headaches and cost of an emergency breakdown later.  Here is a checklist of important tips for winterizing your vehicle!

• Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.

• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.

• Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

• Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

• If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

• Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold  weather driving when windows are closed.

• Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

• Check the tire pressure of the spare in your trunk.

• Stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

Over 70% of drivers don't winterize their vehicles.  “Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.