How to winterize your car
How to winterize your car
Posted on November 19, 2021
The falling leaves and colder temperatures signal that winter is coming. There are a lot of things that need to be done to prepare for winter, and car care needs to be at the top of the list. Winterizing your car is important because the return of snow and ice also means the return of bad driving conditions.
Winter is a good time to review the condition of your vehicle and prepare it for the coldest season. While it might not seem important until snow hits the ground, it is important for you and your car to be prepared for any scenario.
Winter Car Care
Winterizing your car simply means getting it in the right shape to tackle the winter driving season. The last thing that anyone wants is to be stranded on the side of the road or to get in an accident because they were not prepared.
Clean Your Car
Nobody wants to clean out their car or vacuum it in the dead of winter, so take advantage of the last nice days of all to clean out your car. Remove any food wrappers or crumbs to discourage mice from coming into your vehicle for a tasty wintertime treat. Clean out the trunk and fill with winter travelling essentials, such as warm blankets, flashlights, emergency flares, and more in case bad weather conditions leave you stranded. Another good idea is to replace your floor mats with weather-resistant mats to keep mud and snow for staining your car's interior.
Remember the Winter Tools
In addition to an emergency kit, your car should also have appropriate winter tools in it once there is a chance of bad weather. Gloves, a snow brush, an ice scraper, and even a miniature shovel are good items to keep in a vehicle when the snow starts to fly.
Put on Winter Tires
A full set of winter tires should be on your vehicle if snow and ice is a regular winter occurrence. Made with a special rubber compound that remains flexible and enhances grip in the cold weather, winter tires provide more stability than all-season tires when slush and snow cover the roads. In addition, winter tires have tread patterns that cut through snow with more ease, as well as provide shorter stopping distances.
Give Your Car a Tune-Up
If it has been a while since your vehicle was in for regularly scheduled maintenance, the coming of winter signals that it is a good time for a tune-up. You will want to ensure that your battery is in good condition (cold weather makes it harder to start), all fluids are topped off with no leaky or cracked hoses, and all headlights and taillights are working properly.
Preparing for Winter
Drivers can learn more about winterizing their car, or purchasing a new one, at Bustard Chrysler. Helping drivers in the middle of Canadian winters for many years, Bustard Chrysler can help drivers get adequately prepared for the cold and snow with adequate winter car care.