Sallas Auto Repair in Kansas City, MO released their Ten Steps for Preparing a Vehicle for Winter. And I would follow this list because Kansas City knows a thing or two about preparing for winter.
“Over the years I’ve had many customers come in with problems that could have been easily avoided if they would have readied their vehicles for winter. Most of the steps to winterize a car are easy, and take very little time,” said Nick Sallas, owner of sallasauto.com
Ten Steps for Preparing a Vehicle for Winter
1. Evaluate the Car Tires.
Sallas explains that old tires (over seven years) run the risk of drying out and cracking in cold temperatures. Tires need ample tread to avoid hydro planning and sliding on ice and snow. Tire pressure must also be checked since cold weather can deflate tires.
2. Get the Antifreeze Mixture Right.
Vehicles need a mixture of 50-50 (antifreeze and water) in order to protect the motor from freezing and cracking. This needs to be 35 degrees below zero.
3. Clean the Car Battery.
Clean battery posts with baking soda, water and a small wire brush for proper maintenance and to extend battery life.
4. Replace Wipers & Wiper Fluid.
The life expectancy of wipers is only one year. Add wiper fluid in winter that contains a de-icer to prevent freezing on the windshield.
5. Check Belts & Hoses.
Cold weather can make a hose, or belt, fail. These parts need to be checked during vehicle servicing.
6. Test the Heater & Defrost.
These systems keep windshields clear when driving in precipitation. Check them for ample air pressure.
7. Keep your Gas Tank Full.
A full gas tank prevents gas lines from freezing when the temperature drops.
8. Carry an Emergency Kit for Winter.
Emergency kits for winter need to include: an ice scraper and brush; flashlight; flares; a first aid kit; blanket; gloves; boots; hats; warm clothes; snacks and water; jumper cables; paper towels and extra wiper fluid.
9. Know What to Do If Stranded.
A vehicle that is stranded, but still runs, can withstand the heater on for 10 minutes each hour. A stranded car needs a cracked window so that the car isn’t sealed shut.
10. Wax the Vehicle.
Waxing a vehicle twice per year will protect it from sun and salt. This can be done at home, or by an auto repair shop’s detail specialist. This prevents rust and paint chipping.
Great tips. It's not so long ago where cold damp conditions severely affected a cars reliability, however today's cars are tested in all kinds of extreme conditions before they go on sale, and so we are relatively immune from the truculent behaviour of our cars on cold, damp days. It doesn't hurt to heed these tips though.
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