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Winter Season Auto Maintenance
Auto maintenance is a never-ending procedure if you want that automobile to last long. However, the cold season presents certain challenges that you don't want to face when the winter season is in full swing.
There a few auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that should be performed that relate directly to cold air and winter driving. These procedures should be looked into before you get deep into the cold season. The last thing you want are unexpected repairs in the middle of winter or your holiday season. Auto repair during this season might suck up your holiday spending budget as well and we definitely wouldn't want that. Take a moment long before the season begins and look under the hood to make sure things are in good shape.
First thing you should do is go through your regular maintenance checklist to make sure all your scheduled maintenance is up to date. It's always good to have ALL your maintenance on a schedule that keeps track of them whether that's once or twice a year. This way preparing for the change in season, especially winter, becomes a piece of cake and potentially saves you money in repairs because of neglecting your maintenance tasks.
Maintenance For The Winter
Winter driving can be dangerous. The weather itself can affect your car systems dramatically if proper care is not taken. During the winter, your car has no choice but to deal with freezing temperatures, salted roadways and precipitation. Depending on where you are in the country, winters can bring different harsh and constantly changing weather conditions. Driving in limited visibility, black ice, and snow removal vehicles are just a few obstacles you'll need to deal with. Do you live in an avalanche prone area? Well, then preparing your car for the winter season is extremely important.
The combination of the elements can wreak havoc on your vehicle. You must protect your car so it c an protect you. Yes, the relationship is symbiotic.
Check Antifreeze Level
Your antifreeze is an important part of your car's winter protection. Your car should always contain a 50/50 antifreeze and water. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is as close to 50/50 as possible. You can buy an antifreeze tester for only $5. Of course, you can also take it to a service station or repair center. Any of those center will check your antifreeze levels for free. When was the last time you performed a radiator flush? Maybe it's time.
Inspect Tire Wear
Can't emphasize the importance of good tires, especially in the winter. Pay attention to the tread depth. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, you should have at least 2/32" of depth for your tire tread to be safe. It is recommended that anything less than 4/32" or 1/8" should be replaced. Stick a penny in the tread to make sure your tires aren't worn. Hydroplaning, or floating of the center of the road while driving can lead to a serious accident, especially in traffic. Hydroplaning can happen in the snow or rain. The likelihood is increased if your tire tread is too shallow so check them closely.
Also, remember to check your tire pressure. Your tires actually lose some pressure in them in cold weather.
Replace Windshield Wipers
The precipitation associated with the cold weather season is a real factor and you have to make sure your windshield wipers are operating perfectly. You may also be driving through slush and muck that splashes back up to the windshield. In this muck, you might find sand salt or dirt. If this winds up on your windshield, you wipers have the job of keeping your windshield clean and free of these mucky elements for safe driving. Remember keep those wipers in top shape.
Check Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Well, if you wipers are all set, you'll need to pay attention to your windshield fluid supply. You simply cannot be low on windshield wiper fluid. What if you're stuck in bad weather conditions and your windshield fluid runs out? Don't substitute the washer fluid for anything and don't try to dilute or stretch out what you have. Only use washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid will not freeze so you'll be fine if you're out in severe cold.
The following should be done as part of your yearly regular maintenance and not just in wintertime. Hopefully, you have these tasks scheduled already. If you don't, then do it now.
Clean The Battery Posts
The last thing you want during the winter is a car that won't start. Make sure your battery posts are not the culprit. Clean your battery posts of dirt, grime and any corrosion that may have accumulated if any.
Check All Spark Plug Wires
Damaged spark plug wires have a negative effect on your vehicle's performance, its gas mileage and general dependability. This is really important so definitely make this task a priority.
Check Your Brakes
Well, the heading speaks for itself. Get your braking system checked.
Check Your Engine Oil
This ought to be done monthly - especially if you drive your automobile regularly. This should always make the checklist.
A Few More Tips
The tips are general but are even more important in sever winter driving conditions.
. Always drive with the headlights on.
. Always allow additional room between your vehicle and the and others.
. Slow down whenever approaching intersections, bridges, off ramps or areas that are not particularly well -lit.
. Steer carefully and avoid abrupt action s while you are steering your vehicle. Avoid abrupt braking and accelerations.
This combined with sever weather condition can cause your vehicle to lose control.
. Prepare for traffic ahead to give you time to maneuver and react to other drivers.
. Avoid putting your vehicle in cruise control or overdrive.
Tune into the weather station on your radio or television. Even with a prepared vehicle, some weather should just be avoided if at all possible. The winter weather driving hazards should never be ignored so be prepared and enjoy the winter season year after year in your well-maintained automobile!
