6 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Car
Winter is a time for hibernation and staying indoors. It’s also a time when cars can be damaged by the elements and fall into disrepair. If you want your car to last through the winter months, you should do some winterizing before driving off into the cold. Here are some simple steps that will help keep your car running smoothly during winter:
1. Check your tires
Winter is the toughest time of year for drivers, especially those whose cars haven’t been properly winterized. To make sure that you won’t be stuck in a snowstorm or ice storm this winter, the first step is to check your tires. Check the tread depth. Make sure that there is at least 1/16th of an inch of tread on each tire. If not, replace the tires before driving through heavy snow or ice. Check the pressure in all four tires and fill them to recommended levels (listed on a sticker inside each wheel well). Low tire pressure can cause poor handling and increase fuel consumption by up to 10 percent as well as wear out faster than usual. Plus, it will make it harder for your tires to gain traction with slick roads during cold weather, which could lead to accidents!
2. Check your battery
Make sure the battery has no corrosion and is working properly, get it checked if needed. A car’s battery is an essential component of your vehicle that you should keep in good condition throughout the year, but it’s especially crucial to pay attention to this during the winter months. If you neglect taking care of your car battery, it can lead to many issues that can cost you time, money, and headaches down the road. Winter weather conditions such as cold temperatures and snow can cause corrosion on a regular car battery; if there’s any sign at all that this has happened, take it into an auto shop immediately so they can check it out before any damage takes place!
3. Check your headlights
Have your headlights cleaned so that they are fully functioning, especially in fog and snow. Your headlights are essential for driving safely in fog and snow, so it’s important to keep them clean so that they function properly. To do so, you will need to use a cleaning product made specifically for headlights. Cleaning products can be purchased at any auto parts store and are inexpensive; they usually come with a microfiber cloth and instructions on how to use them. Turn off your headlights completely before beginning cleaning so that no electricity runs through them while you’re working on them; this will prevent accidental short-circuiting if water accidentally gets inside the light bulb itself.
4. Check your wiper blades
You should change your wiper blades every six months. To change your wiper blades, look for a tab at the base of each blade and push it in to release. Then, remove the old blade by pulling it upward. Next, slide a new blade into place and secure both sides with tabs. You should inspect your windshield wipers (and clean them if necessary) around once every two weeks throughout the year and immediately before winter sets in to make sure they’re working properly. If one or both of your wipers stop working properly during winter weather – or are slow to get going if they have been in storage since last year – they may need replacing as soon as possible so they don’t fail you when you’re driving home from work in a snowstorm or another type of inclement weather condition. It’s also ideal that you replace your windshield wiper fluid often.
5. Ready a kit
Carry a safety kit in case you get stuck in the snow. A safety kit is important to have in case of an emergency. Here are the items you should consider adding to your kit:
- Shovel – If you get stuck in the snow, it’s always a good idea to have a shovel handy. You can use the shovel to clear snow from around your tires so they can gain traction.
- Blanket – In case you become stranded and need warmth, having a blanket with you will help keep your body heated up so that hypothermia doesn’t set in (which could lead to death).
- Flashlight with extra batteries – Having access to light will allow you to see what’s happening around you at night or during inclement weather when visibility is poor.
- First aid kit – Having bandages and other supplies on hand could mean the difference between life or death if someone gets hurt while driving through icy conditions or slips on ice.
- Non-perishable food and drinks – You never know how long you’ll get stuck (hopefully not very long). It’s essential that you have food and drinks in case of emergencies.
- Car tool kit – Bring your car tool kit. It will become handy while driving through the snow.
6. Defrost the car efficiently before driving off
If the window becomes frozen, do NOT use a hair dryer to defrost it. This can crack the glass and make it more susceptible to breaking in an accident. Instead, use a scraper or scraper blades to remove any ice from the window. If you have time before your next trip, use your cars defrost mode for several minutes to loosen up any remaining ice on the windows and wipe them down with a towel after using this feature. This will help prevent new ice from forming on your windshield while you’re driving!
Get Your Car Checked for Winter at Lai’s Auto Service
Winterizing your car is simple and easy to do. Those were a few simple steps you can take to make sure that your car is ready for winter driving, and they’ll make life easier for you when spring comes around again.
If you need to have your car professionally checked for winter, contact Lai’s Auto Service! Our teams of highly trained and certified technicians are here, ready to serve you. Our crew is available to do any necessary maintenance on your vehicle, from simple computer diagnostics to sophisticated oil changes. For many years, we have been offering Saskatoon and central Saskatchewan residents skilled vehicle and light truck repair and maintenance services. For all of your automotive requirements, you can rely on Lai’s Auto Service!