Maintenance + Repair
Getting Ready For Winter Driving
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Now that fall has arrived, it is time to get the car ready for winter. Most people who drive rarely make any preparations for the winter. While some drivers do get away with it, there are many others who are ill prepared and end up paying a lot more money for unnecessary expenses. Getting the car ready for winter is not an expensive undertaking nor is it very time consuming. The majority of these common preparations can be done by the car owner and include the following:
Battery
Many car owners leave a car in the garage for the entire summer only to discover that the battery has no more power. The battery should always be inspected using specialized equipment to ensure that it has adequate power and that it functions fine.
Tires
Worn out tires can have a damaging influence while driving on slippery roads. Always ensure that your tires have adequate air pressure and if you live in an area where snow and ice are a problem, then having an extra set of snow tires would not be a bad idea. While winter tires are not foolproof against accidents, they do help improve traction on icy roads much more than all weather tires. Having the right tire pressure is important, especially during the winter months. Traction is often at a bare minimum due to wet or slippery road conditions. Adequately inflated tires provide the highest contact between the tires and the road.
Windshield Wipers
One of the frustrations of winter driving is having wipers that do not work. Always replace old or worn out blades. Today, there is an assortment of reinforced rubber clad snow windshield wipers available that are very efficient. Further, one should also check the wiper fluid reservoir. The last thing you want is to run into a mid-winter icy storm without any wiper fluid.
Car Service
For those who have postponed getting the car serviced during summer, it is time to make sure that the old air and fuel filters are replaced and that the engine is running smooth. Switch on the heater and make sure it is working. Open the hood of the car and inspect the belts and hoses. Even though most modern cars have durable fan belts, harsh winter conditions can cause a rapid acceleration in their wear and tear. If you see threads along the fan belt, it is best to take the car to a mechanic for a second opinion. Because accidents are more common during winter, always make sure that the safety belts are secure and the child car seat is properly fastened.
Oil
One should also change the car oil to suit the winter. As the temperature drops, oil gets viscous and circulates poorly. So buy engine oil that is thinner and circulates well. The owner’s manual will tell you which oil is recommended for winter driving. The majority of cars use oil grades of 10W-30 or 10W-40.
Antifreeze
Despite the importance of this fluid, less than 30 per cent of car owners rarely have it readily available. To save money, buy the antifreeze early and place a spare can in your car.
Gas
During the winter months, all cars consume more gas. The car usually takes more time to warm up and heating also uses up more energy. Always have the car near full as this also prevents moisture from precipitating inside the gas tank.
Lights
All car lights should be checked and burnt out bulbs should be replaced. In some cases, the light lenses may need to be scrubbed to remove oil and grime that has accumulated over the summer.
Emergency Kit
Winter driving is very unpredictable. Besides getting caught up in traffic, one can run out of gas or breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Being stranded in the middle of summer in Ontario is one thing, but being stranded in the middle of Manitoba during winter is a different kettle of fish. Thus, it is highly recommended to have an emergency kit on board. This may include a warm blanket, shovel, gloves, flares, extra pair of boots, a flashlight, some snacks and a mobile phone.
Cold Weather Prep
Planning for winter may not sound like a big deal to many who have lived in Canada for decades. However, if your car ever fails you or you are in a car accident in the middle of nowhere, the preplanning will be a blessing in disguise.
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