The most important thing about winter driving is to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition before winter arrives. In fact, even just routine maintenance can avoid most breakdowns entirely. The following tips will help you to not only get ready for winter but to better learn how to care for your car.
First, get your car a good check up or diagnostic test. The first thing you want to do is fix any noticeable engine problems. These includes such things as rough idling, hard starts, frequent stalls, loss of power. Also make sure to replace any dirty filters, change the oil and check all the fluid levels (including antifreeze if you are up north). Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Of course, remember to follow-up with regular oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles.
Read your users or owners manual. Know what kind of regular maintenance your vehicle requires and make sure to keep up with it.
Try to always keep your gas tank full. In other words, once you dip to half full, get more gas. This will help prevent moisture from forming in your tank and fuel line. Also, put in a bottle of fuel tank de-icer once a month. Just put it right into the gas tank.
The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended in your owners manual. Usually you want to have a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water. If you are doing this work yourself, please never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.
Replace old windshield wiper blades. Using rubber-clad winter blades is recommended to fight ice build-up. Of course, always carry an ice scraper with you, and keep a spare bucket of windshield washer fluid/solvent.
When it comes to the battery, visually inspect it from time to time. Scrape away any corrosion from posts and cable connections, clean all surfaces and re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
For the exhaust system, I would definitely recommend a professional. Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
Examine tires for their tread level, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires cool down before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Dont forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Maybe even practice using it once in a while just to be sure!
Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone for emergencies. Put a few high-energy snacks in your glove box, just in case something happens and you are ever caught in one place for some time.
Learn all about “winterizing” your vehicle. Plus more tips on car-care, maintenance and even driving tips. Please visit:
http://www.JosephCarducci.com/auto-care
http://www.JosephCarducci.com/car-maintenance
http://www.JosephCarducci.com/driving-tips
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