Now that Thanksgiving and Black Friday are in the rearview mirror, it’s time to prepare for winter.
The snow will be here soon enough if it hasn’t already arrived wherever you reside in the United States. If you live in a part of the country that gets bone-chilling temperatures, tons of snow, and freezing rain during the cold weather season, you must ensure your car is up to the challenge.
Here are 16 tasks for your to-do list so your car is winterized and ready for the brutal weather.
Antifreeze
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended intervals to change the coolant. One source says life-long coolants are typically good for 300,000 miles or 10 years. But, again, go with whatever the owner’s manual says.
You’ll want to ensure you have the proper antifreeze ratio to safeguard against freezing. That’s typically a 50/50 water-to-coolant ratio.
Engine Oil
Getting a fresh oil change before winter hits is a good idea. Check the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic whether your car might benefit from winter-grade oil. Winter-grade or synthetic oil can make things easier for the engine when the temperature dips.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Few things are as scary during the winter as getting dirty slush splashed onto your windshield by another vehicle without the ability to clean it off quickly. But that’s what can happen if you run out of washer fluid.
Top up and carry an extra jug in the truck. Ensure you use washer fluid with a low freezing point so you don’t experience frozen nozzles that prevent the washer fluid from doing its thing.
Brake Fluid
One source says it’s a good idea to flush your brake fluid every 30,000 miles or two years, but only if it is dirty. If the fluid looks okay, check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary.
But don’t just top it up. Ensure there are no problems, like leaking brake lines, and make an appointment to see your mechanic to fix any issues.
Transmission Fluid
Your car winterization strategy should also include checking the transmission fluid level. Winter will take a toll on your vehicle, so checking the fluid levels, transmission fluid included, is a good habit to get into.
Battery
Considering how much frigid weather will impact your car’s battery, you should test the battery voltage before winter hits. If it’s weak, replace it. Otherwise, the battery could fail you when you least expect it. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for AAA to rescue you later this winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so be proactive rather than reactive with your battery.
Winter Tires
Swap your summer or all-season tires for dedicated winter tires. Don’t assume that an AWD or 4WD vehicle doesn’t require winter tires—many drivers make this error.
While AWD and 4WD drivetrains can provide more traction so you don’t get stuck in the snow or slush, they won’t bring your car to a halt any faster than a 2WD. In fact, a 2WD vehicle will stop faster than the equivalent vehicle with AWD or 4WD because the former is lighter than the latter. So, dedicated winter tires are a must if you want to winterize your vehicle.
Wiper Blades
Check the condition of your washer blades. Replacing them is an easy DIY task. So, swap them out for new ones if they’ve seen better seasons.
Headlights and Tail Lights
You need to check the headlights and tail lights as well. It’s one of those things you should get in the habit of checking occasionally. But it’s all the more essential during the brutal winter driving season.
Emergency Kit
Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit in your trunk. It should have booster cables, a tire gauge, a tire repair kit and inflator, flares, snacks, a phone charger, a flashlight, and other things you may need.
Shovel and Ice Scraper
You never know what you’ll encounter on the roads during the winter. You may face situations where you must dig yourself out of a difficult situation – literally and figuratively. So, pack a shovel and an ice scraper so you’re not left wishing you had done so.
Sand or Kitty Litter
It’s a good idea to pack some sand or kitty litter in the truck so you can use it for traction when stuck. Winter driving isn’t for the faint of heart. Being prepared can get you out of a jam.
Belts and Hoses
You should look under the hood and check for signs of wear and tear on the belts and hoses. If you see any such issues, get them addressed pronto. Otherwise, you’ll run an increased risk of being stranded.
Door Locks and Seals
Remember to lubricate your car door locks and seals with silicone spray to prevent sticking and freezing.
Gas Tank
It’s a good idea to keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least 50% full during the winter season. This can prevent issues with the fuel system, such as condensation, frozen fuel lines, and corrosion.
Besides, if there’s a nightmare scenario where you’re stranded in your car for hours during the winter, the last thing you need is to be confined in a car running on fumes.
Inspect the Exhaust System
Inspecting the exhaust system makes sense. If there are leaks, get the problem fixed so harmful gases don’t leak into the cabin, where they can become a health risk for you and your passengers.
Winterize Your Vehicle
If you want your vehicle to run efficiently without any problems during the most challenging driving season of the year, ensure that you follow these recommendations. It’s about being ready for whatever the season brings.
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