Prepare Your Car for Winter

by David “Sam” Luttrell Jr., Absolute Automotive LLC

Winter will be upon us soon, and it is time to change out the clothes in our closets as well as time to go over a checklist for our vehicles.

Ice, snow, salt, sand, and frigid temperatures assault our cars and trucks, especially those spending the nights outside. There are multiple things we can do to make them more comfortable and reliable through this onslaught.

Preventative maintenance is the best way to prepare your vehicle for winter, and any auto repair facility should do this during your regular lube, oil and filter service. For the Do-It- Yourselfer's out there, I think you will find this information helpful also.

Anti-freeze is one of the most important fluids under the hood. This fluid not only cools your engine yearround, it also circulates through the heater core inside the heater/AC System to provide heat for the passenger compartment.

Anti-freeze needs to be tested for freeze point of -30 or below. Antifreeze must be at this freeze point or below to keep the engine block from freezing.

Another part of the engine cooling system that needs attention is the thermostat. This device helps regulate the temperature of your vehicle’s engine.

Most thermostat failures keep the engine from reaching normal operating temperature. This can affect fuel economy and passenger compartment heater efficiency.

Windshield washer fluid is another fluid under the hood that can freeze, and it needs to be replaced with winter washer fluid, or de-icer fluid. Also check the performance of your windshield wipers. Are they torn or do they smear, instead of cleaning your windshield? If so, replace them.

When parking outside cover windshield if possible with an old bed sheet, blanket, or cardboard. Make sure windshield and wipers are clear of snow/ice before turning them on, or you may damage Wiper motor and linkage.

Tire pressure will fluctuate with the ambient temperature, unless your tires are filled with nitrogen (green caps). Lower ambient temperatures will result in lower tire pressure.

When adjusting the air pressure, check the tread depth of your tires. Most passenger and light truck tires have “wear indicators” between the tire tread every 12 inches around the circumference of the tire. If the tires are worn down to these wear indicators or getting close, it is time to replace them before the snow flies.

The battery in your vehicle will most likely fail at either end of the temperature spectrum. Extreme hot and cold temperatures will reveal a weak battery at the most inopportune times. Have your battery tested every spring and fall to avoid any surprises. Most, if not all, automotive part stores will check your battery for free.

Hopefully this little article has helped you prepare your vehicle for winter. Be sure to follow the regular maintenance schedule located in the owner’s manual of your vehicle.