Winter driving conditions can be dangerous due to factors such as snow and ice on the road. While it’s important to be prepared for winter driving, it’s also important that your car is ready for the challenge. Follow the recommendations below before the winter season to ensure your car can handle winter road conditions. Before you face any harsh winter conditions, have your vehicle serviced to prepare it for the challenges that winter may present.
Change to winter tires
If you live in a place that experiences extremely cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when you winterize your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, reducing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds designed to resist hardening at low temperatures, providing better traction on ice, snow, slush and even dry pavement.
maintains tire pressure
Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. This means you should check the pressure more regularly during the winter and add air to your tires as needed. The proper pressure for your tires can be found on the tire label on the driver’s side door pillar or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Before you leave for a long winter trip, check how the temperatures may change while you’re out. Changing temperatures can affect both your traction and your ability to drive if there is a sudden change that you are not prepared for.
Use winter windshield fluid
Replace your windshield wiper fluid often. A single snowstorm can deplete a large amount of this fluid, so frequently refill the washer reservoir with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions. If you’re not sure if your washer fluid is the right formula for cold temperatures, add a bottle of antifreeze to the wiper fluid reservoir. You will find it at most auto parts stores.
“I have been going to these people for a while because they are close to me. They are friendly and honest. I know nothing about cars, but I know they will take the time to explain things to me in a friendly and professional manner.
With this in mind, when you let your car idle, you use more fuel with little or no benefit. After all, your car’s engine has been optimized to run at low temperatures without the car stalling. The only reason to stop your car is to warm up the cabin and defrost the windshield, which should take about 3 minutes.
If you keep your vehicle idling for 10 to 15 minutes before starting your journey, it will increase the pollution. With much of the fuel leaving the engine unburned or partially burned, your car will release a lot of toxic fumes.
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Before you go on a trip, pack food, bedding and some thick clothes in the car for emergency use. Fill the tank often! Keeping fuel in the tank is more important in the winter than in the summer. Why? First, a full tank reduces condensation, which can prevent the gas line from freezing. Not only that, but if you’re ever stuck, your engine may be the only thing keeping you warm until help arrives.
Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions.
That’s why several states have laws stating that all your windows must be clear of condensation and debris.
When winterizing your car, check your rear-window defroster before cold weather arrives to be sure it’s working properly.