Tips to Winterize
Your Vehicle
The elements pose
a unique challenge
to motor
vehicles, and that’s particularly
notable when
seasons change. Though
the shift from spring to
summer or even summer
to fall may not be too
signifi cant, drivers who
want to safeguard their
vehicles would be wise
to take certain measures to prepare their cars or trucks for
winter weather.
Winterizing a car can be an important part of vehicle
maintenance. That’s particularly true for vehicle owners
who live in regions where winter is marked by especially
cold temperatures and/or signifi cant snowfall. As fall gives
way to winter, drivers can take these steps to winterize their
vehicles.
• Address tires and tire pressure. The experts at Kelley
Blue Book note the danger of aging and/or poorly infl ated
tires, particularly in winter. Icy, wet and/or snow-covered
roads can be dangerous to traverse, so it benefi ts drivers
to examine their tires prior to winter. Worn down treads
reduce traction and make it more diffi cult for vehicles to
stop, which is already challenging on roads where ice is
present. It’s equally important to keep tires properly infl
ated, as KBB reports each 10-degree dip in temperature
can lead to a one-pound loss in air pressure. Poorly infl ated
tires can decrease performance and safety on the road.
• Check the battery and replace it, if necessary. Another
step to winterize a car involves the battery that helps to
keep the vehicle running. The automotive experts at Firestone
note that sinking temperatures force the chemical
reaction within vehicle batteries to slow, which reduces the
amount of power the battery can generate. In fact, Firestone
estimates a battery can lose as much as 60 percent of
its strength in freezing temperatures. Firestone urges drivers
to get a battery assessment test prior to winter to ensure the
battery is healthy enough to endure the coming months.
If the assessment indicates the battery is weak, replace it
prior to winter.
• Check fl uid levels. Routine vehicle maintenance at an
auto body shop or car dealership typically involves checking
and topping off fl uid levels. Book such an appointment
in advance of winter to ensure the vehicle has coolant,
which KBB notes is formulated to resist freezing. Without
suffi cient coolant, a vehicle engine can suffer signifi cant
damage. Windshield washer fl uid also should be fi lled to
ensure the windshield can be suffi ciently cleaned of salt
during and after snowstorms. A pre-winter oil change also
can help the vehicle run smoothly throughout the colder
months.
• Inspect belts and hoses. KBB notes cold weather weakens
belts and hoses, which can become brittle and fail in
low temperatures. Belts and hoses should be checked prior
to winter. Engines can overheat, electrical system problems
can emerge and power steering may be compromised if
belts and hoses are allowed to fall into disrepair.ä
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