In our articles we strive to provide facts to work off of so each individual can make the best decision with their circumstances. We are not trying to sell our opinion.
What is involved in winterizing a vehicle?
Winterizing a vehicle is ensuring it is ready for, obviously, winter. The drops in temperatures can affect your car in many different ways, and therefore can impact YOU. Some simple checks can potentially prevent you from being stranded in the cold, as these things almost always happen on the worst days and at the worst times. But what should you check?
Antifreeze
A simple breakdown: “Anti” (you don’t want your engine coolant to) “freeze”. Simple right? A simple test will reveal the “freezing” point of your coolant. Why is this important? If your coolant has lost its ability to keep the fluid from freezing, your engine can be damaged or even ruined if the coolant freezes. An antifreeze tester will identify the freezing point to determine if any action is needed.
Battery
Batteries hate the cold! The challenge is that they are good until they are not. Oxi-moron? Yes, but you can have your battery tested under load to see how it is performing before the coldest days get here to potentially keep you from feeling like a mor… well let’s say leaving you wishing you had winterized your car instead of being stranded in the cold because your vehicle won’t start. Most batteries usually last 3-5 years. If your battery is near that time frame, a quick check could keep you from a cold wait in a car that won’t start.
Tires
Literally all that’s between you and the elements on the road are your tires. How equipped are they to carry you through the slush, snow, ice, and grime of winter? Many perform the 1 cent test. Take a penny, turn it where you can see Abe, and place it in the grooves of your tires where the top of his head is towards the tire. If you can see all of Abe’s head, your tires are significantly worn and are below the legal limit (2/32″). Just because they might be slightly deeper doesn’t mean all is well.
Brakes
Stop! That’s their job. But are they performing well at their job? Winter conditions can introduce conditions making it even more difficult to stop. A quick check before winter can ensure your brakes are ready for their very important job.
Fluids
Cooler temperatures can affect different fluids in different ways. Be sure to check your oil, power steering, brake fluid, and transmission fluids to ensure they are adequate for winter. Another fluid often overlooked is windshield washer fluid. 1 – Ensure you have enough for when the road grime is thrown up on your windshield and you need to wash it off to see. 2 – Ensure you have a windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze.
Things to keep in your car
This is not a comprehensive list, but just a few ideas to be prepared for winter and to keep you safe in case you do get stranded.
- Windshield Scraper
- Blanket
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Candle
- Matches
Have some additional suggestions? Share them in a comment!
Is winterizing your car really important?
We have simply provided some things to consider, so you be the judge. Some tips have been shared for those who prefer DIY. If you need Craig’s Mobile Mechanic to perform this, feel free to Schedule a time, or Request a quote for your winterization check, or other mechanic needs. Thanks for reading!