Preparing Your Car for Winter: Part 2

You are here

 

With winter approaching fast, let’s get started on preparing your vehicle. There are several systems on your vehicle that you should check in case they need repairs, including the battery, ignition system, lights, brakes, windshield wipers, heating and cooling system, and tires. And what if you find problems with any of these systems? What do you do?

Battery

When you check your battery, make sure the cables and posts are corrosion-free. If there are any signs of corrosion, clean them. Also, get your battery tested. It may work fine, but you need to make sure it’s not weak. A weak battery is likely to leave you stranded. If it’s weak, go ahead and replace it. Also, if there are any belts that look worn, replace them at the same time.

Ignition system

The ignition system on your vehicle is crucial if you want your vehicle to start, so make sure it’s working properly. Get the ignition wires, spark plugs, and distributor cap all looked over. If the technician finds something wrong with them, replace them immediately. The last thing you want on a cold morning is a vehicle that doesn’t start.

Lights

On the road you need to see and be seen. Check that your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights work properly. With days getting shorter and nights getting longer, it is more important than ever that you have properly functioning lights. If any bulbs are out, then replace them.

Brakes

With the snow on the road, it is essential that your brakes work properly. If there is a component of your braking system that doesn’t work as it should, it could cause pulling and a change in pedal feel. If you feel something like this, check the braking system or have someone look over it for you. Find out what is causing the problem and repair or replace it to ensure proper braking.

Windshield Wipers

When the weather turns cold and it starts to snow, you’ll want wipers that work correctly. Snow can accumulate on the windshield and restrict visibility. Check the wipers. If streaking occurs, then replace the wiper blade or wiper blade insert.

Heating and Cooling System

To reduce the chance of a sudden breakdown in the cooler months, check the radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks or leaks. If there are any, get them repaired. If the radiator cap, water pump or thermostat does not work properly, they too need to be fixed. Make sure that there is anti-freeze in your vehiclet o prevent the coolant from freezing. To keep warm in your vehicle, make sure that the heater and defroster work properly. If they fail to work properly, get a trained mechanic to check and repair them.

Tires

Checking your tires may be the most important step. Check the pressure on all of your tires, including your spare. Properly inflated tires give best traction on winter roads and increase fuel efficiency. If the pressure is low, then inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Plus, check that the tire has sufficient tread and that there is no damage. If you find any damage, get the tire repaired. If it cannot be repaired or if the tread is low, replace the tire with a new one. Also, if you live in climates where it snows a great deal, consider investing in snow tires for better traction.

All of this may be overwhelming at first, but  checking and repairing everything on your car is essential to making sure it is ready for winter. Next time, we’ll discuss items you should carry in your car in case of an emergency.