Winter weather poses a wide range of challenges for drivers and their vehicles. While most modern vehicles are able to handle extreme weather conditions better than their older counterparts, every driver should take certain measures to protect their vehicles and reduce their risk of accidents. Follow this guide to better prepare for wintertime driving.
Check and Refill All Fluids
One of the most effective ways to winterize your vehicle is checking its fluid levels. Coolant can freeze during winter, so you need to have the right mixture of antifreeze and water. To ensure that the mixture is correct, you can refer to your owner’s manual or get a tester from an auto parts store. Also, make sure the fluid level is at the maximum line.
Besides the coolant, you should also take a look at the engine oil. According to some mechanics, it is best to use a thinner engine oil if you live in a place where temperatures fall below freezing. However, the ideal viscosity level may vary from one vehicle to another. The best thing to do is to check your owner’s manual or consult your regular mechanic.
Although it is often overlooked, windshield wiper fluid serves the important purpose of maintaining good visibility by keeping your windshield clean and clear. Similar to coolant, it is also susceptible to freezing during winter. As such, you need to use a freeze-resistant wiper fluid.
Inspect Your Tires
Low-pressure or worn tires can be dangerous on wet or slippery roads, because they can reduce traction. Find out the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle by checking your owner’s manual. Then use a tire-pressure gauge to determine if your tires are properly inflated. If the area where you live experiences a lot of snowfall, it is worthwhile to invest in snow tires. These tires give your vehicle better traction and help keep you safe on the road.
Check Your Battery
If you have trouble starting your vehicle during winter, it may be because your battery capacity is low. You need to thoroughly inspect your battery and its terminals, cables, fluid, and charge.
Make sure the terminals fit snugly and have no loose connections and the cables are free of cracks and breaks. The batteries in some vehicles have a hydrometer eye that indicates the amount of voltage left in them. If your vehicle does not have this feature, you use a handheld hydrometer to check if the battery has enough charge.
Pack an Emergency Kit
It is essential to have an emergency kit for dealing with emergency situations during winter. This kit should contain items such as a jack, lug wrench, road flares, first-aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, ice scraper and brush, container of coolant, leather gloves, blanket, and snacks.
While there is no sure way to avoid mechanical failure or accidents during winter, you can greatly reduce the chances of misfortunes occurring by properly preparing yourself and your vehicle.
Image via Flickr by Carsfera.com is licensed under CC-BY 2.0
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