It’s getting to be that time of year again. The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, people are ordering pumpkin flavored drinks, and the leaves are starting to turn in color. Yup, time to start thinking about getting your car(s) ready for the winter that is just around the corner.
I mentioned this to a friend this weekend and was slightly surprised when they admitted to not knowing how or what that actually meant. You’re a 40 year old male for Pete’s sake, AND you are from Minnesota. You should know better than the rest of us. You should be teaching us.
This got me thinking. How many people out there don’t know about winterizing their cars either? Maybe it’s because I’m a “hands-on” type of person, or that I’m a true car guy, but I rather enjoy doing it. Not only does it feel productive, but it impresses the girls (and some of you need all the help you can get).
I do realize that some of these steps are more relevant for people in the northern part of the country or that if you live in places such as Florida (or even parts of Southern California) that some of these may not be applicable to you. ALL are important though.
So, here you go…
1. Change Your Oil
We all know that for your engine to run properly it relies on oil for lubrication and that you should change the oil every 3000-5000 miles. What you may not know though is that as the temperature gets colder the oil in your car gets thicker (this is called viscosity if you’re looking to impress someone) and may no longer do its job. If you live somewhere where the weather gets below freezing you should switch to thinner oil for winter time. For example, if you normally use 10W-30 switch to 5W-30. You should also change the oil filter and air filter at this time too.
2. Change The Antifreeze
Antifreeze is used in your engine coolant system to help prevent the engine from overheating and then seizing (BIG $$$$ trust me). For most of the year the engine needs about a 50/50 ratio. Fifty percent water and fifty percent engine coolant (anti-freeze). For winter I like to use a 60/40 ratio. Sixty percent coolant and forty percent water.
Flush the radiator system. You can do this by opening the valve at the bottom of the radiator and allowing the mixture to drain out into a collection device on the ground. NOT ON THE GROUND. Once that has drained, remove the radiator cap on top and run water from the garden hose through until the liquid coming out the bottom is clear and just water. Allow this to drain. This also helps remove any sediment that may be in your engine. You can then pour in your new 60/40 mix. Just don’t forget to close the valve on the bottom as that can be both aggravating and embarrassing. It’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual as to how much your system holds. Also, be kind and recycle the old fluid.
Even if you choose not to replace the fluid it is still a great idea to check and make sure it is topped off.
3. Test The Battery
Cold weather is tough on your car’s battery. The chemical reactions required to generate power in the battery slowdown in extremely cold temperatures. At 5 degrees Fahrenheit, a fully charged lead-acid battery has only half its rated amp-hour capacity. On top of that, during cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to get the engine started. Combine less power output with more power requirements and you get a car that won’t start on a cold winter morning. This is why it seems your car is sluggish to start on those cold frosty mornings.
Have a mechanic run a battery load test to see if you need to replace the battery. Even if it doesn’t, he’ll clean up any corrosion he finds on your posts and connections. The mechanic might also fill your battery with distilled water if needed. A lot of auto parts places will do this for free. Your alternative is to go over to your neighbors in the freezing cold and ask for a jump start but do you really want to be that guy?
4. Windshield Wipers & Washer Fluid
Working windshield wipers and a good supply of wiper fluid will ensure that you have a clear line of sight even in the nastiest of snowstorms. Wiper blades are only good for about a year. Replace them if they look frayed or worn. If you live in an area prone to harder winters, consider buying wiper blades that are designed for winter weather. Side note; windshield wipers made out of Teflon might have a tendency to lift off the windshield at higher speeds.
Don’t use water! Water will freeze solid and you’ll have nothing to use. Instead, fill your washer fluid with one that has antifreeze added. Look for the one with the lowest freezing point (it’ll say it on the bottle). For best results in clearing off cold, heavy grime, select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. But beware―some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car’s paint. Wipe it off when you get a chance. While you’re on this step, check and make sure you have an ice scraper in your car. Ice scrapers with a metal blade work best.
5. Belts & Hoses
No matter how old your car is, check the belts & hoses for wear and tear. In cold weather they can become brittle and crack. If either breaks while you are driving, you may be there a while. This is also a good time to run your heater. Most people have been using only the a/c the last several months. Your heater could be broken and you might not even know it.
6. Tire Time
Your tires are crucial! Do you have enough tread? Are they properly inflated? Are they the right kind? Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction as you drive along and traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions. The air pressure in your tires has likely dropped as the weather has gotten colder, so it’s important to see where things stand now. (You can generally expect that you’ll lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.) Check your owner’s manual for what your proper tire pressure should be.
As for ample tire tread, take a quarter and place it in the middle of your tire. If most of the quarter disappears you should be fine.
In some parts of the country you might want to consider changing your tires for snow tires. If you live in an area that’s covered with snow for most of the winter, or just really hilly, you should consider swapping your regular all-season tires out for snow tires.
Snow tires are made of a softer rubber than all-season tires which allows them to retain flexibility in the bitterest of cold. Snow tires also have tread patterns specially designed to grip into snow and ice. Don’t get the wrong idea about snow tires. They won’t totally remove the chance of you slipping and sliding in your car, but they do provide more traction than the regular variety.
If you do decide on snow tires, store your summer tires in plastic garbage bags. To reduce moisture from damaging the rubber, press as much air out of the bags as possible or use a vacuum to suck out the air before sealing the bags with tape. For storage, find a place that maintains a cool, but stable temperature, such as a basement or heated garage.
7. 4WD
Does your car have 4-wheel drive? Over ninety percent of drivers never need their 4WD. Now is a great time to check and see that it works. Check both the low and hi systems.
8.Wash Your Car!
Last and certainly least, clean and detail your car both inside and out.
Inside your car, clean out all your garbage before you vacuum it. Neither you nor your passengers really like all that clutter. Vacuum properly and thoroughly. If your car smells like a locker room add an air-freshener. At the very least Febreeze! This is also the time to consider swapping out your cloth floor mats for some heavy-duty rubber mats.
Exterior surfaces, naturally, are vulnerable to winter qualities such as snow, ice, slush, brine, and road salt. Utilize these nice fall days leading up to the frigid months to thoroughly wash your vehicle and you may just save your vehicle’s body.
The easiest thing to do is take your car down to the car wash and have it detailed. Make sure to have it waxed. Wax coats the body panels before the first snowfall -specifically, before temperatures drop below 55F. This preventative measure will shield paint surfaces from snowy bombardments, and it will also make snow and ice easier to brush off.
Wow, that was a little longer than I had anticipated but being thorough now can save lots of money and time this winter. It will also keep your car looking better longer. I have a Jeep that I got new in 1998. People are still shocked to find out that it is a thirteen year old vehicle.
Images source: The Royal Texan
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