As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves start to change, it’s time to think about how to prepare your car for winter. Here are some tips on how to get your car ready for winter weather.
Ensure Your Tires are Properly Inflated
Since under-inflated tires can impact your car’s handling, you should check if they need more air. Ensure they are inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications for cold winter weather.
You should also check the treads to see if they are adequately thick. You can do this by using a penny test after you buy a car online Canada. Insert a penny into the grooves on the tire’s surface with Lincoln’s head upside-down. If you can see all of his head, you need new tires.
Balancing Your Tires is Important Too
Before winter weather hits, have your wheels balanced. Loose wheel weights are more likely to break off during cold weather. They can damage other components on the suspension system while they’re bouncing around, so it’s good to get them balanced adequately before winter makes driving hazardous. Such tires can also reduce your gas mileage.
As The Temperatures Drop, Check Other Fluids Too
It’s a good idea to check the heat-related fluids in your car before winter. These include engine coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. It would help if you also had your battery checked and antifreeze levels since cold weather can reduce your battery life, and antifreeze will help protect the engine against low temperatures. To ensure they’re at the proper levels, you should also check other fluids, such as wiper fluid and brake fluid.
Brush Off Any Snow or Ice Before Driving
Before driving your car in winter weather, make sure it’s free of snow and ice. Removing any build-up from the windows will allow clear visibility for driving and improve safety by increasing your ability to see other vehicles on the road. Snow can also interfere with your braking performance, so it should be removed from the brake discs and pads if possible.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades
If you have rear windshield wipers, clean them before the weather gets bad so they can adequately clear water from your windshield. If you have front wipers, inspect them for cracks, breaks, and tears in the rubber blade that could leave spots on your windshield when it’s raining or snowing.
Wiper blades frozen to the windshield can be extremely hazardous as they blur your vision and hinder your ability to see correctly. It’s good practice to carry a bottle of washer fluid with you just in case yours is frozen so that you can remove any ice from the wiper blades quickly before it impairs your visibility.
Ensure Your Lights Are Working
It’s good practice to replace your headlight and taillight bulbs before winter sets in, as they tend to dim over time, particularly during cold weather. You should also make sure that all of your lights—including turn signals and brake lights—are working correctly for maximum visibility. If you have a hard time seeing at night or during overcast days, it’s a good idea to invest in a set of auxiliary driving lights.
Avoid Using Your Parking Brake in Winter
Using your parking brake in winter can cause it to freeze, so it’s best not to use it. Also, avoid using the emergency brake when driving for prolonged periods, as doing so can overheat the braking system and have lasting effects on brake performance. The parking brake should be used only in emergencies during the winter.
Store Your Car Properly in Cold Weather
Before you store your car for an extended period, make sure it’s safe to do so. Stop by a mechanic to have any necessary maintenance or repairs performed before storing your vehicle so that you can defrost the windows when you’re ready to drive again without worrying about breaking down.
While you’re storing it, keep your car in a garage or other enclosed area and don’t let it stand outside for too long, as freezing weather can damage the engine and freeze the windows.
It’s critical to perform all necessary maintenance before driving in winter, so stop by your local automotive care center in the fall for a complete checkup. This inspection can help you prevent breakdowns while driving in bad weather. Also, using the proper tires throughout the winter months will enhance your safety on the road and prepare you for whatever climate Mother Nature has in store.
