Tips to Prep for Winter
Whether you drive a brand new car or an old one, preparing for winter is very important in the land of climate extremes.
Having your car break-down is always inconvenient but when temperatures go south of zero degress it can become deadly. The last thing you need is to get stranded on the highway with your family knowing it could have been prevented.
Here are a few items to consider before winter its.
1. Inspect the strength of your cars antifreeze, while the engine is cold, by using a antifreeze tester.
A 50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in most climates. It is always a good idea to look at the recommendations made by the vehicles manufacturer.
2. Have your battery and charging system checked for proper operation. The battery in your car will only last so long and in most cases three to five years of use puts you at risk. Our climate is very demanding of batteries and charging systems.
3. Change your oil and oil filter. Clean oil of the correct viscosity is very important in protecting your engine in cold start environments. Be sure to consult your dealer or owners manual for engine oil specifications.
4. Visually inspect all lights on your car, paying extra attention to brake and headlights.
5. Tire condition; check it yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and ice.
Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly, providing better traction for improved safety.
Check your tire pressure regularly, especially in colder temperatures. The pressure of air in your tires changes with the air temperature. You can experience up to 1 pound loss of air pressure for every 10 degrees of drop in temperature. It is best to check tire pressures after your car has been parked for a minimum of 2 hours.
6. Visibility is key to your safety; make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Be sure to always use washer fluid that contains de-icer.
7. Inspect your engine’s belts and hoses. Rubber not only wears but deteriorates with age.
8. Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are stranded in the cabin air filter and running the heater on “high” in the extreme cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.
9. Protect your vehicle’s paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on a vehicle finish. A good coating of quality wax will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle’s paint.
10. Prepare an Emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, non-perishable foods, water, cell phone, booster cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP Sign, and a first aid kit.
If you have any questions or would like to have your car inspected by professionals, please contact the team at Muscatell Automotive Tire and Service Center in Moorhead, MN. Call 218.477.7000 or go online http://muscatellautoservice.com
