Car maintenance checklist for winter
Winter car maintenance checklist for those that drive in the snow
Living and driving in an area with snow? Here are some winter maintenance tips for you.
Snow and ice make it challenging to drive and can make the road dangerous at times.
To be prepared for this time of year, you will need to make sure your car is maintained and ready to go. Defrosting the vehicle, switching to winter tires, keeping the fluids filled and having items in case of emergency will help you stay safe during winter driving, Here is a guide on winter car maintenance.
Keeping the snow away
If you don’t have a garage or carport to park in, you will have to warm up the vehicle and remove any ice and snow from the windows before you drive. If your car is covered in frost, start it up, turn on the defrost and let it run for a few minutes before getting in. If you still have ice on your windows, an ice scraper can help. If you plan ahead for a storm, you can use a windshield cover that will let the snow stack on top and then easily remove it to reveal your clear windshield.
Taking care of your battery
Batteries need extra attention in the winter as the cold can drain them much faster than in warmer times and prevent you from starting the car. Having a set of jumper cables is a good idea but you may not always have a second vehicle available to help you jump start the battery. Consider getting a portable jump starter, which are usually rechargeable battery powered, so you can start a dead battery by yourself whenever you need it.
Preparing your tires for the cold
When temperatures drop, you will have to pay extra attention to your tires. The cold air will make the pressures drop by a few PSI so make sure you give them a little more air. If you live in an area with really cold temperatures and snow, consider swapping to winter tires. They will give you better traction in snowy conditions and reduce stopping distances while braking.
Making sure you rotate your tires within the recommended intervals is also important. This will allow your tires to wear more evenly and extend their lifespan. Nokian Tyre recommends rotations every 4,000 to 8,000 miles. You should also get your tires balanced whenever you get a rotation to maximize their effectiveness.
Check and refill your fluids
Pop open your hood and check your fluid levels. Check to see if anything needs to be topped off or refilled. If the proper coolant is used, then your engine should be safe from freezing but the other liquids need more attention. Many of the fluids can thicken, freeze or absorb excess moisture during the winter and harm your vehicle.
Inspect and replace your windshield wipers
If you can’t see, then you can’t drive.
Having a good set of windshield wipers can do wonders during the winter. Good wipers are important to remove snow while it’s falling and keep the windshield clear enough so you can see the road. If your wipers are getting old, then you can buy a new pair online or at an auto repair store. Many auto parts stores offer having an employee install the wipers right after you purchase them. If you want, you can install them yourself as its one of the easiest car maintenance jobs.
Washing your car in the winter
Salt that is used to melt ice on roads will stick to your vehicle and it will need to be washed off.
According to Erie Insurance, “Skip the wash if the temperature outside is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that hits your car when the air is too cold (like below freezing) could lead to frozen locks and door handles. It’s important to let your car dry thoroughly so water doesn’t get stuck and freeze. Consider using a car wash with a dryer or wiping your car with a microfiber cloth.”
Emergency Items
Even if your vehicle is fully prepared for the winter, you can never be too cautious. Consider keeping a first aid kit in the car in case of a medical emergency. An engine block heater can warm up the engine before starting it, keeping it ready to go in the most extreme temperatures. Other emergency items you should consider bringing along include a seat belt cutter, window breaker, tire iron and a neon vest.
Winter can make driving tough, but you can ease the pain by having the right maintenance done. Having solid winter tires, checking and refilling fluids, replacing your windshield wipers and having emergency gear is crucial. Using this checklist or coming up with your own will have you and your vehicle ready to face winter head on.
Keenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram at @keenanautos. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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