Ask A Technician: Winter is Here for Your Vehicle
CHECK OUT THE ABOVE VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAKING SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS READY FOR WINTER
WINTER IS HERE AND IT OFFERS A WHOLE DIFFERENT CHALLENGE FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Engine Oil
When you start your engine in cold weather it is necessary to have the correct viscosity oil so your engine will able to turn over fast enough to create the compression necessary to start.
Engine Coolant
You car’s coolant system is not intended only to keep your engine from overheating.
It is also responsible for protecting your valuable engine against corrosion. Before the weather gets too cold, make sure you are using DEX-COOL to help protect your engine. Be sure and have it checked by a qualified technician to guarantee its anti – freeze properties are sufficient for the weather expected.
Cold Weather and Your Battery
Cold weather reduces your battery’s performance. Be sure to check that all connections are tight and corrosion free.
You will need all the power your battery can produce to turn over your engine in very cold weather. If your battery is over 3 years old, it is a good idea to have a test run by a Certified Technician since the average life of a battery is 3.1 years.
Key Fobs
Your key fobs are the normal way you lock and unlock your vehicle. If you can’t remember when you last replaced the battery, replace it. The battery life for key fobs is about 2 years.
Tires
Check your tires for any nails that may have been picked up during the year.
Check the pressure in each tire and bring them up to the correct pressure if necessary. This can found in your owner’s manual or on the vehicles door pillar. Very cold weather will affect the tire pressure.
Windshield Treatment
An easily overlooked part of your winterizing program is your windshield.
If you have ever driven behind another vehicle kicking up wet, dirty road snow, then you already have a true appreciation for windshield washer fluid. Make sure you use fluid rated for cold weather so you won’t have problems with it freezing. Buy a gallon and top off your windshield washer fluid reservoir and put the rest in your trunk for later use.
Check the condition of your wiper blades. Take a wet paper towel and wipe the blade, you will be amazed at the grit that is there. Should you see they are dried out or cracked, replacement is the best answer.
Frozen Out
Door locks can freeze in cold weather and break your key if you try to force them open. Lock de-icer is a handy item to keep for this purpose.
Think about where you keep it, however, because if the de-icer is in the glove box of your frozen-shut car, it will be of little use. Stock a tube at home in the garage and also in your desk at work. That way should your locks freeze up; you’ll be able to solve the problem.
Weatherstrips
Remember the last freezing rain when you unlocked your door and it refused to open because the door was frozen to the weatherstrip. A simple fix is available. Take a can of silicone and simply spray it on your doors weatherstrip, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
This will help prevent it from freezing to the door.
Emergency Kit
If you don’t already have an emergency kit in your car, consider putting together a few basics and stowing them in the trunk.
Naturally, you’ll want to be sure your spare tire is in good shape with all the tools to change it out. But you might also want a few other emergency items in case you slide off the road and get stuck in a snow bank: Flares, Blankets, Boots, Radio, Engine oil, Washer fluid, Coolant, and a Flashlight.
When you take the time to winterize your car, you become more comfortable driving in cold, snowy climates. A short commute quickly becomes difficult when your vehicle isn’t equipped to handle snow and ice.
By planning ahead, you can make winterizing your vehicle an annual ritual in the name of safety and vehicle reliability-and don’t forget when it’s time for service give us a call (314) 567-3300 or make your appointment online now.
