Winter Addition Driving Tips – How to Prepare Your Car
Cold weather can present some of the toughest conditions for both driving and the vehicle. If your car already has possible defects, then the winter will fully reveal these malfunctions. Moisture, salt, and sand can contribute to long-term problems with your vehicle.
The good news is that the fallout from winter can be easily avoided with a few simple checks and maintenance. Of course, there are many workshops that can do the checks for you. If you owe winter service, don’t skip it! If you don’t feel like stepping into a garage, it’s quick and easy to perform these checks from the comfort of your own home.
All vehicles need attention and commitment. Here are the top 5 recommended checklists for keeping your car in top condition and safe for the winter.
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- Antifreeze.
As the name implies, antifreeze prevents water from freezing in the engine’s cooling system. To check how effective your antifreeze is, you’ll require a tester. The Draper 35807 which is the cost between $20-$28, Antifreeze Tester scored the highest in a series of tests. When the engine is cold, remove the coolant reservoir cap (usually next to the radiator). Insert the tube into the coolant and squeeze the bulb to collect some antifreeze. Inside the tester, you will find a dipstick that indicates the freezing point. Once you have located it on the scale, put it back on the system and replace the cap.
- The battery.
If you take short and/or irregular trips or your battery isn’t in the best of conditions, winter could kill it. Is your car taking longer to start? The battery may need to be replaced. In this case, although your battery can be checked at home with the appropriate equipment, it is a good idea to take it to a garage. If it is necessary to replace it, the garage will do it quickly and with the power of own car, without the need to start it.
- Tires.
In winter, tire tread is critical because the car will need maximum stability. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so don’t neglect them. Ignoring the tread may extend stopping distances. Legally, the tread should be 1.6mm, but garages recommend replacing tires with treads less than 3mm, as the tread wears off over time. This is a check that you can do at home without having to purchase any equipment. Just find a coin and insert it into the tire tread. The outside edge of the coin is 1.6mm thick so if you insert it you can see part of the coin, the tires must be replaced.
- Windshield wipers.
Do dirt spots appear on the windshield every time you use the wipers? This is a simple fix and a situation you want to avoid. Winter driving is often in wet, humid conditions or in the dark, and clear visibility is critical. Simply open the washer cap located under the lid and fill it with washer fluid.
- Lights.
The darkest days of winter bring with them a greater dependence on lights. Check that it is completely clean to make it as shiny as possible, and clean it quickly, especially if you are outside in the rain or on muddy roads. Second, and most important of all, all lights should work. Turn on the headlights and test their side light, low beam, and prime light locations. If your car has fog lights, try those as well. Ask a friend to help you with the taillights. You want to highlight the red taillights, brake lights, rear fog lights, and taillights. Finally, turn on the indicators and check that you can see them on the front and back.
- Make your car winter lights
If you are a proud classic car owner, follow our tips on how to maintain it. Classic cars will need an extra dose of commitment in the winter months. If you have a short time or are worried that you won’t be able to get the checkups done as well as they should, don’t panic. You can ask an expert to check for you. Winter checks at dealerships and major workshops are cheap and quick to perform.