Start Your Engines
Winter's coming, like it or not. Soon, roads will be snow-covered and icy.
So now's the time to winterize your vehicle, before the “fun” begins.
Two car care experts — Rich Kelly, used car manager at Baglier Buick GMC in Butler Township; and Jim Davidson, owner of Davidson's Auto Repair in North Buffalo Township — offer some ways to get your car, truck or sport utility vehicle ready for winter.
Your tires are the only piece of equipment that touches the road. Proper traction can be a lifesaver.“Whenever I get a call for a car that rolled over or flipped,” said Davidson, who also operates a tow, “it's almost always because the tires are bald.”Now is the time to check the depths of your tire treads. A tire tread depth gauge will do the trick.You can also use the “penny test” method. Place a penny, head side first, into several different grooves of the tire. If you only can see the top of Lincoln's head, Abe says it's time to replace your tires. Honest.Fitting your vehicle with snow tires is another option.“For two-wheel drive vehicles, I'd recommend it,” Davidson said. “But with all-wheel drive vehicles, all-season tires are generally good enough.”Making sure your tires are properly inflated is another to-do check.“Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop,” Kelly said. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, your tire's air pressure will drop about 1 psi.The tire pressure should comply with the manufacturer's recommendation.There's usually a label sticker on the driver's side door jamb that lists the recommended psi. Or, check your owner's manual.
Snow, slush, ice and salt can strain your visibility. That's why it's imperative to check your windshield blades before the winter weather hits.“You should check for tears along the spans of the wipers,” Davidson said. “You should also make sure the blades make full contact with the windshield glass.”Replacing worn blades is a quick and not-so-costly fix.Checking to make sure there's enough washer fluid is equally important.
Your antifreeze is what keeps the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing during the winter. Should the water freeze, cracks and damage to the radiator and other key components can result.“It's important to use the right mix of water and antifreeze,” Kelly said. “And top it off if you're running low.”You can visually check to see if you have the proper amount of coolant by checking the fluid level on the reservoir, but only after the engine cools down.A hydrometer, Kelly said, can be used to check the freezing point of your coolant.Antifreeze should be clean, he added, and provide protection to between 20 and 30 degrees below zero.
Cold temperatures can snap belts and crack hoses, Davidson said. Have them inspected and, if needed, replaced. It could save you from getting stranded along the road and spare you a towing bill.
Now's the time to inspect your vehicle's battery to ensure it's good to go. Davidson said. The battery should be securely mounted and the connection tight, clean and corrosion-free.Cold weather weakens the battery. At zero degrees, a car's battery loses about 60 percent of its strength. A quick stop at most auto parts stores can get you a free test that will determine your battery's strength for the winter haul.
Headlights, taillights and turn signals should be given a once-over to ensure they are in proper working order, Kelly noted. Replace any burned-out bulbs. They should be replaced in pairs to ensure optimal safety performance.
Salt can do damage to a vehicle's finish. A good tip is give your car a fresh coat of wax before the first flurries fly, and regularly wash your car top to bottom during the winter to prevent salt build up.“Road salt and other de-icers, like calcium, are killing the underbody of your vehicle,” Davidson said.He recommends applying a rust-proofing sealant to the undercarriage of your vehicle to protect it against the damaging effects of salt and other de-icing chemicals.
It's a simple tip but one that should not be taken for granted.“The biggest thing you should do is preheat your vehicle,” Kelly said. “This is something that shouldn't be overlooked. Let it warm up a bit. Five to 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb.”Idling the engine can do wonders.“This lets your fluids get to the proper operating temperatures,” he said.The oil, specifically, will have the time to warm up and thin out, thereby allowing it to flow more smoothly.“In the long run,” Kelly said, “it'll save wear and tear on your engine.”
Accidents happen. Motorists are well advised to be prepared in case they find themselves stranded in the cold, Kelly said.At a minimum, he said, “I recommend a blanket, a couple bottles of water and some energy bars.”Additional items could include a first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, flares, jumper cables, cellphone charger and possibly kitty litter for traction to get out of slippery situations.
