The coldest months of the year will soon be upon you. It would be best if you encounter wet and cold weather daily. An essential thing you can do to prepare for this season, apart from winterizing your home and preventing frozen pipes, is Winterizing Your Vehicle.
Even while keeping up with your car’s maintenance all year round is necessary, getting it ready for winter is especially important. You may rationalize a car breakdown on a sunny summer day wouldn’t be that horrible. But believe it when we tell you that waiting for a tow truck while it’s freezing outside is no one’s idea of a good time. Follow these 5 simple measures to winterize your vehicle and ensure it will get you safely to your destinations this winter.
Verify Your Heat Is On
Okay, so first things first. It would be best if you didn’t venture out into the cold with a malfunctioning air conditioner. Be sure to fix your car’s heating, air conditioning, or vents before the temperature drops. You might try fixing it with some auto-air refrigerant, but you’ll need a mechanic if it doesn’t work.
Inspect the Tyres
Even the greatest snow tires make it difficult to drive in poor weather. If you want to stay safe on the road, you must ensure yours are in tip-top shape. Tire chains should be used when necessary, and worn tires should be replaced.
It would be best if you also examined the tire pressure. Your tires’ pressure will drop when the temperature drops, so it’s a good idea to top them off before heading out. Maintaining proper tire pressure when driving in wet or icy conditions is especially important.
Preparing Your Battery for Winter
Keeping the engine warm in cold weather places additional strain on the battery. Get your battery checked and replaced if needed by your professional. When you see someone in a parking lot standing in a snowdrift while trying to jump-start their car, you’ll be glad you checked this.
You should look at three things to examine the battery on your own.
The wires
Make sure there are no breaks or cracks in the cables and that they are not jiggled around.
The accusation
Hydrometers are what you need to check the battery’s charge. Remember to pull over and shut down the vehicle first.
Date of production
If you look at the date it was made, you can estimate when the battery will stop holding a charge. An automobile battery has an average lifespan of between 5 and 7 years.
Observe Fluid Levels
Take care of this before it gets too cold outside; it’s a crucial element of the annual maintenance you need to perform to winterize your vehicle. The engine oil, windscreen wiper fluid, and antifreeze levels are among these. In colder weather, this consistency can increase, posing a greater risk.
Oil
Be sure to get your oil changed before the weather turns cold, and if you must drive in sub-freezing temps, consider switching to thinner oil.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze and water should be mixed correctly, and the radiator should be filled to the top.
Fluid for Windscreen Wipers
If you don’t want your windscreen to fog up or ice over, you’ll need wiper fluid that can withstand subfreezing temperatures. Use winter wiper blades instead of regular ones because the rubber prevents ice from forming.
Put Together A Survival Kit
Even if we take all the necessary precautions and try our best to prevent car trouble in the winter, it still happens. Having an emergency pack in the trunk can aid in the event of an unexpected breakdown. It would be best if you had a few of each of the following on hand:
- Safety equipment
- Scraper for Ice
- Batteries and a torch
- Foods that don’t go bad and water
- Antenna extenders
- USB port charger
- Sand or kitty litter (to loosen snow or mud from your tires) in a plastic bag.
- Antifreeze in surplus
- Coats, sweaters, and blankets to keep warm
Personalize your winter roadside emergency kit with whatever you or your children would require in case of a car breakdown.
Conclusion
These are the 5 Essential Steps that you can take to Winterize Your Vehicle for Safe Cold Weather Travels. Furthermore, if you want to remove your vehicle and earn extra income, you take your Cash for Cars Melbourne service. Contact us for a free quote.
