7 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Winter Weather

19 Dec 7 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Winter Weather

Get Your Car Ready for Winter Weather

Whether you are ready for it or not, the winter season is knocking and if you want your car giving you full service then preparing it for cold weather is an MUST-DO. In cases of nasty weather, especially the winter, proper preparation will guarantee your safety.

With proper preparation to your vehicle, you are sure to avoid being stranded when snowstorms or unexpected cold snaps come your way. Herein are seven distinct ways you can prepare your car for winter weather:

# 1 WINTER TIRES
Do not let the name fool you; these tires do not just come in handy on snow conditions alone. If you are looking for tires that will guarantee you good road grip and a smooth driving experience, then winter tires are what you need to have during the winter period.

Their soft rubber component facilitates good grip on icy or cold pavements, and they guarantee better results on temperature drops even to below 7C than all-season tires. Moreover, they can prevent sliding since their aggressive tread characteristic allows them to effectively channel away snow and slush.

# 2 BATTERY
In comparison to summer conditions, cold weather poses difficulties when starting the battery and one that has given you service for quite a period may not be fully efficient during the winter conditions.

You can take it to a service technician who will check it for any corrosion around the terminals and ensure that the cables are in good operational condition and are also well attached. Nonetheless, it is still proper to replace it before ensure you avoid getting stranded later.

# 3 OIL CHANGE
To prevent wear and damage, oil needs to smoothly flow through the vehicle’s engine. Nonetheless, not all car-oils are suited for winter conditions and those that do not have a tendency of thickening in the cold. For such conditions, ensure you have replaced your vehicle-oil with one that is characterized by low-viscosity which will quickly flow and safeguard your engine.

Moreover, low-viscosity can economize your fuel since it reduces friction. Adhering to recommended Oil changing times will guarantee a clean and durable engine.

# 4 WIPER BLADES
Clear vision when driving particularly into winter sunshine glare is one thing every driver requires but with streaks on the windshield, the driving experience can turn chaotic. Get wiper blade replacement any time they are not fully effective such as when they fail to clear the glass when they get torn or crack or even when they chatter or bump.

Exposure to sun and weather eventually hardens them, and it is only sensible to replace them at least twice on a yearly basis. For SUVs and hatchbacks, do not forget to replace the rear wipers also.

# 5 WINTER WASHER FLUID:
In winter conditions, using plain water will give you problems since it freezes. Nonetheless, with a winter-specific fluid particularly designed to resist freezing and wash away winter grime like road salt ensures a smooth running. Ensure that you also have a spare incase the fixed one depletes.

# 6 COOLANT
Cold temperatures may pose problems to your coolant, and as such it is essential, you ensure it can properly operate in winter conditions. Moreover, adhere to the maintenance schedule of your car so that you flush the cooling system and fill it up with new fluid when required.

The fact that the coolant gradually deteriorates means that at some point it can fail to protect both the cooling system and your engine. Ensure that your cooling system is well-adapted for winter conditions.

# 7 EMERGENCY KIT
In a bad snowstorm help may not come immediately, and as such it is appropriate to ensure that your emergency kit is in proper condition and is well stocked. Among the essential items that should be in the kit are blankets, matches, candles, folding towels and energy snacks.