Tips for Winterizing Your Car Tips for Winterizing Your Car

Tips for Winterizing Your Car

Jonesville is not necessarily known as a cold-weather town; however, it can be quite frigid during the winter months in our area. When the weather outside turns colder, driving can become difficult. No matter your expertise, your driving ability is greatly affected by the degree to which your car is maintained and ready to handle rain, ice, and snow. We will likely experience several bouts of snow and ice in a typical winter. Fall is the time to winterize your vehicle. 

 

  1. Install Winter Windshield Wipers

Winter-ready windshield wipers are made from a type of rubber that is resistant against the formation of ice on the windshield. They are more effective when the mercury drops and ice threatens to delay your drive to work and school, these wipers are heavier than normal, so they will get you rolling much more quickly in the morning. Make sure you change them out again during the spring.

  1. Install Winter Tires

Colder temperatures invite ice to form on the road even without snow. Furthermore, snow will get packed down on the roads and can stick around for several days since we do not have the number of municipal plows northern locations keep.

Typically tires are made from the type of rubber that hardens as the temperatures dip below freezing. They might fail to grip the road as the ought when the mercury lowers into the twenties and teens. Winter tires use compounds in the rubber that resists hardening due to the cold; therefore, they retain their traction, which helps you stick to hold the road the way you want. We are not a tire-chain area, so you want winter or all-weather tires.

  1. Check Your Tire Pressure Often

Cold temperatures can also mean swings in your tire pressure, which impacts your ability to grip the road. Improper tire pressure will also cause your tires to wear more quickly. Check your tire pressures often using pen-style pressure gauges are often that are generally sold inexpensively (or even given away) at hardware or car supply stores. Be careful not to overfill your tires.

  1. Check and Add Washer Fluid

Whether you are fighting that thin layer of ice or washing salt and grime from your windshield, you will need to maintain your washer fluid. Your windshield washer fluid reservoir should be full throughout winter. It's even a smart idea to keep a spare bottle stored in the trunk. You may choose to utilize washer fluid that has ice melting components.

  1. Maintain Your Rear Window Defroster

Have your mechanic help you make sure your rear-window defroster is working well, and make sure your rear window is clear of ice and steam. 

  1. Change Your Oil

Make sure your oil is changed and all other vehicle maintenance is performed in a timely manner before the winter freeze sets in. Your mechanic should help you make sure that your battery, charging system, antifreeze, and cooling system are all in working order.

  1. Fill Gas Tank

Do not allow your fuel tank to fall below half full throughout winter. This will help prevent becoming stranded when the weather is threatening and unsafe.

  1. Emergency Winter Safety Kit

    Winterizing your car isn't just about keeping your car safe. It's also about keeping yourself safe. With this in mind, make sure you have a few extra items stowed away:

  • A winter safety kit should have:
  • Extra, warm clothing
  • Hats and gloves
  • Blankets (if you drive children, you need to get warm and cozy)
  • Flares
  • A pack of matches
  • First Aid Kit
  • Ice scraper
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Non-perishable food and drink
  • Extra antifreeze
  • Car tool kit
  • A bag of sand and shove

Winterizing your vehicle is vital for driving safely when the weather gets cold. Now is the time to bring your car to Jody's Automotive in Jonesville, before the extreme temperatures and winter weather moves in. Contact us for more information and help to winterize your vehicle. 

More in this category: « Five Benefits of New Tires for Your Vehicle Emergency Supplies to Carry in Your Vehicle During Winter »
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