Getting ready for winter means a lot of things. It certainly means making sure your car is ready to survive the rigors of winter. We sometimes neglect our cars during this time, but this is something that can come back to haunt you. Failing to winterize your car can make things stressful at best during the brutal months. At worst, it can put your life in jeopardy.
Thankfully, winterizing your car isn’t all that difficult. It doesn’t even require a significant amount of time and money. There are a few simple things you can do, in order to ensure that your car is ready for the worst of winter.
Tips To Winterize Your Car
It doesn’t demand too much of your time or energy. It really just comes down to some simple measures at the start of the season and then keeping an eye on things as the season progresses. Here are some easy ways to make sure your car is suitably prepared:
- Make sure your cooling system has been cleaned, flushed, and given a new dose of antifreeze.
- Getting your oil changed at the start of the winter season can be a really smart idea. Just make sure you’re getting something that will match the proper viscosity/thickness for that time of the year.
- If you can’t remember the last time you had your windshield wipers replaced, then doing so right before winter kicks in might be the best thing for your car. There is no question that during the colder months of the year, your car is made to go through a great deal. That includes everything that happens to your wipers.
- In addition to making sure your windshield wipers are in good working order, you will also want to make sure your heater and defroster are in proper working order. Making repairs to either of those things can be a little pricey, but spending a little now can save you from a lot of stress later on.
- Have the battery and charging system checked. The last thing you want to deal with is a dead battery in the dead of winter. Or worse yet, imagine your battery dying in the middle of a blizzard.
- While getting your oil and filter changed at the start of winter, have your mechanic check all of the filters associated with your vehicle. You want everything to be running in flawless fashion when the weather starts to take a turn for the cold.
- If you are planning to give your car a tune-up, make sure to do it at the start of the season. You can take care of most of your issues/needs before the temperatures drop, and perhaps a snowstorm comes in. One of the most frustrating things about winter is the way it can magnify a lot of the problems your car might be hiding.
- Your tires are obviously going to be a consideration, in terms of getting ready for winter. Check the pressure on your tires, and consider getting snow tires for the season. This is something you can discuss with an expert. If you live in a hilly location, one which receives a lot of snow, then getting snow tires can potentially save you from a lot of grief later on.
Getting Your Car Ready
Make sure your brakes are ready to go before the season really gets rolling. You will also want to check for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be particularly problematic during winter. Make sure you have an emergency kit that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. It is also a good idea to make sure your gas tank is at least half-full at all times.