Is your car ready for winter?


 

Over one-quarter of driving accidents each year are affected by bad winter weather conditions, resulting in vehicle and property damage, injury and death. That’s why it’s so important to make sure, as heavy rain, snow, sleet, fog, wind and ice return, that you, your family and car are protected.

 

Here are a few ways to make sure you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way:

 

Change your wipers: Bad visibility is a top reason drivers get in accidents, especially in winter. If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks or wiper blades appear dry, stiff or cracked, it’s time to replace them. While you’re at it, buy an extra set and leave them in your trunk, along with a full container of washer solution that contains antifreeze.

 

Turn on the AC: It may sound counter-intuitive, but if your windows are fogging and frosting up from the cold outside, your vehicle’s air conditioning, even set to a warm temperature, will help by removing humidity.

 

Check the lights: Snow, slush and dirt can cover up your headlights (and brake lights), reducing visibility for you and other cars around you. Wipe your lights on a regular basis, especially after long drives and bad weather conditions.

 

Check your battery: Car batteries are less effective in cold weather conditions and engine oil gets thicker, making it more difficult for your car to turn over. Have your car battery professionally tested and replaced if it’s on its last legs. The last thing you need is a dead battery in the middle of a snowstorm.

 

Warm up your engine: If you live in an area where the temperature drops significantly and if you often park outside, consider an engine block heater that can be plugged into an electrical outlet.

 

Lube your locks: Moisture in your car door or trunk locks can freeze in very cold conditions and make them hard to open. Use a silicone spray to lubricate your locks before it gets really cold. And if you’re already locked out, lock antifreeze can help.

 

For even more useful ways to protect yourself in winter, click here and here. And please remember to share your own winter driving tips and experiences in the Shop Talk blog community forum.

 

 Did you know? Be ready for an emergency

 

Keeping an emergency kit, including road flares, a jack, flashlight, blanket, ice scraper, sand, snacks and first aid kit, in your trunk is always a good idea, especially in winter.

 

25 thoughts on “Is your car ready for winter?

  1. Does anyone know who I can talk to about Chrysler Canada turning me down on any more warranty work been down on 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
    break pedal noise after they spent thousands of dollars trying to fix it telling me after the spooseley fix that it is normal for the Vans.to have that loud noise.

  2. If you live in an area that gets snow, get some snow tires and wheels. All season tires are not truly all season. They do not work well in the snow, losing traction in the cold, and having a a smoother tread pattern makes them less effective in the snow.

  3. All these amazing tips posted are very useful to have. I would honestly recommend printing out this list and laminating it. Why not store it away for the winter and then bringing up that awesome golden ticket list when winter is around the corner? I believe it’s important to also have a set of snow scrapers on hand (maybe various sizes) along with gloves so if your scraper breaks to clear off snow, you will have another one on hand. Why not bring a long a pair of gloves to leave in your car for those days that you need them urgently. Matches are very important to have on hand if an extreme emergency happens and have a little bit of cash stored in a secret spot so that way if you forget your wallet and your in a blizzard and can’t get a hold of someone, you have that safety amount.

  4. Very good advise. I always carry a blanket, scraper, emergency kit in my vehicle all year round because one never knows when they are needed.
    Thank you for the other reminders noted.

  5. other than winterizing the vehicles do you do assessment and repair.Can you visit where I HAVE PARKED MY CAR FOR THE LAST YEAR.

  6. The picture you’re showing is a young man working on a car, the caption was about safety, where are his safety glasses?

  7. Keep your fuel tank above a quarter full, so you don’t get stranded, and make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition for the weather you are driving in.

  8. Get a set of winter tires. The all seasons you run are more dangerous than you think. They are a compromise and not a dedicated winter tire. I’ve been a license mechanic for over 30 years now and I see more people having accidents that could have been avoided if they simply had winter tires. If you live anywhere the temperature drops below zero put those all seasons away and do yourself a favor get winter tires.

  9. #1. Maintain Manufacture recommened tire pressure so that the full face of your tires are on the road to maintain the best control of your vehicle in adverse road/weather conditions.
    #2, Maintain your speed at a range that you feel comfortable with, regardless if the posted speed is higher.
    #3. Maintain proper distance from the vehicle in front of you, it might take longer for you to stop in poor road conditions in case that the other driver has to stop or has a driving problem.
    #4. Have proper winter tires with good tread. A bald tire or a summer tire will not stop in the snow or ice and could cause you to lose control

  10. When cleaning the snow and ice off your car take your hand and free up the wipers that might be froze to the windshield by lifting up 1 or 2 inches and letting them back down.

  11. Making your own emergency kit is essential especially travelling distance,got to be ready for anything and everything

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