Winter is around the corner and it is imperative that you take care of your car to ensure that you are not in the middle of an unwanted stranded situation which would be tough to get out of. So, here are 5 Winter Car Care Tips for you.
- Take care of the battery. As it gets colder, the vehicle’s battery gets badly affected. Cold temperatures reduce its cranking power. And at about 0° F, a battery has only about half the cranking power it has at 80° F. Follow the owner’s manual that came with your car to check a conventional battery. You’d have to remove the plastic caps on the top and check the fluid level. If the fluid is low, add distilled water.
On maintenance-free batteries, check that the window at the top of the battery indicates a fully charged state. If it’s more than five years old and shows signs of weakness, replace the battery without a second thought.
You can even have the battery professionally tested at a service station, auto parts store, or repair shop.
- Replace wiper blades regularly. Test your wiper blades. If there are streaks and missed expanses of glass, the wiper blades require being replaced. Clean the rubber edge of the blade from time to time with a paper towel and glass cleaner. But it is best to replace the wiper blades right before winter for safety.
- Keep the windows clear. Use an ice scraper on frosty mornings, and always park with the wipers in a raised position. If it snows overnight, that way the wipers won’t freeze to the windshield. Also, make sure that the heater is functioning properly and all the warm air is directed to the windshield when you put it in defrost mode. Prevent your glass from fogging up by running the air conditioning system with the temperature set at a comfortable level to dehumidify.
- Prioritise the heater and the lights. Always check that the heater is working fine throughout winter and before its onset. Similarly, the lights must always be functioning well at front and the rear so that the other motorists and you, yourself have clear visibility.
- Use the right oil. Winter temperatures thicken regular car fuel and this is detrimental to your vehicle and unsafe for you. So check with the owner’s manual and car mechanics for the right fuel. Replace the oil filter and get the radiator and hoses checked for any sort of damage. Use an anti-freeze and water coolant mixture to make sure your coolant does not freeze.
Besides the above, always make sure you have the right tires for winter. Your safety depends on it. Taking care of your car in the winter is equivalent to ensuring that you have a safe ride throughout the season.
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