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Cold weather affects everything from flowers, ponds, roads and even your vehicle. To avoid any unnecessary problems this winter with your auto follow these few, easy steps.
Step One:
Evaluate your cooling system. Check the antifreeze and flush out if necessary. This should be done every two years or so. Add clean, new antifreeze. The optimal ratio of antifreeze to water is 50/50. This will ensure that the fluid your vehicle needs to cool itself with not freeze and crack your radiator.
Step Two:
Check hoses and belts for cracks. Replace if there are any signs of damage, wear and tear or cracks. This can cause breakdowns if left untreated.
Step Three:
Evaluate your vehicles battery for peak performance. Your vehicle requires more power to start in the cold weather. So having a well charged battery is a must. Make sure all battery connections are secure.
Step Four:
Check tires and breaks for wear and tear. This is a necessary time to check for worn tires and break pads. Replace if your tire treads are worn down or if your break pads are slipping. Safety is of the utmost importance during snow and icy weather. You should make sure you have a spare tire as well in case of a flat due to cold temperatures.
Step Five:
Evaluate your vehicles heater and defrosters. You need to be able to see clearly out of the front and rear windows. Clear visibility is extremely important especially during inclement weather.
Step Six:
Replace windshield wipers to winter blades. Winter wiper blades are designed to withstand cold temperatures, snow and icy weather while you drive. This provides greater visibility. Also be sure to have enough windshield washer fluid. Roads become sandy and dirty during and after storms and windshields will require cleaning.
Step Seven:
Make sure that all exterior vehicle lights are functioning properly. Other motorists may not be able to see you during a storm if your lights are not working. Replace any broken tail lights, reverse lights or headlights. Change any blown bulbs.
Step Eight:
Put together a winter emergency kit. During the winter months you will need an ice scraper/snowbrush to clean off your car. A small shovel, sand or kitty litter comes in handy for added traction if you are stuck after a storm. A blanket and gloves if your car breaks down to keep warm until assistance arrives. Jumper cables if you need a start. Always have a flashlight, wheel wrench, jack, spare and first aid kit in case of an emergency.
Be sure to drive carefully, cautiously and slowly during the cold, snowy winter months.
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