Tips for Winterizing Your Car

Tips for Winterizing Your Car

Vehicle safety is an important aspect during winter as cold temperatures, road salt and dirt can cause many problems. However, you can avoid many car problems with simple checks and proper maintenance. Here are some tips for winterizing your vehicle. 

Change Engine Oil

If you live in a region where the mercury drops below zero, you need to consider changing the engine oil with the arrival of winter. Regular engine oil flows slower at lower temperatures and does not protect the engine effectively unless the oil heats up (after engine running). According to car experts, you need to consider a 5W oil that is recommended for winter. You can also find this information in the car owner’s manual. 

Test Battery 

A car’s battery is most affected by plummeting temperatures. According to battery experts, the car’s battery starts losing efficiency as temperature drops and can lose 60 percent of its efficiency. If the battery is older, you will experience a higher drop in performance. Since the battery is necessary for the car the run, you need to ensure that it is in good condition. According to battery experts, the battery should be tested for CCA (cold cranking amps). On average a battery with 600 CCA is recommended for winter. If the CCA reading is lower than 600, you are more likely to face problems. 

Change to Winter Tires

Normal tires perform terribly at lower temperatures. When the temperatures fall below freezing, the rubber of normal tires starts hardening. The result is the tires just roll on the road and do not provide any traction performance that might lead to accidents. On the other hand, winter tires have a special rubber formula that keeps the tread rubber soft even at sub-zero temperatures.  If you live in a place where temperatures fall below zero, you need to change to winter tires. 

Install Winter Wipers

During winter, frost often gets accumulated on the screen and you will need good wipers to clear the windshield. Winter wipers feature a special framework that prevents ice and snow buildup on the blades. Also, these wiper blades have a strong curve that ensures maximum contact with the windshield and helps in clearing frost on the windshield effectively. 

Keep the Gas Tank Half Full

Condensation occurs in the empty fuel tank area, which leads to different problems during winter. The condensation drips down and settles down at the fuel tank. It is more likely to enter fuel lines, which often lead to freezing of fuel lines. By keeping the gas tank more than full, you reduce the space for air, which ultimately reduces the condensation problem.  

Fill the Washer Fluid Reservoir

During winter, passing vehicles often slush grime and mud on the windshield.  Hence, you need to keep the windshield washer reservoir full of washer fluid. Make sure you select the right washer fluid for winter that stays in a liquid state even at colder temperatures. 

When winter arrives, the first thing you need to do is to winterize your car by following the tips given above. It reduces the chances of your car breaking down and also ensures that you reach your destination safely.