5 Things To Know When Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter

 

5. Check The Heater

If your heater is working well to keep the cabin warm, and the engine runs at a stable, safe operating temperature as you drive, that's a good sign for the health of your engine in general. Heat from the engine is sent to the cabin as part of the vehicle's engine cooling system. If your heater isn't warming the cabin, that can make for an uncomfortable commute. It might also mean you have a problem like a stuck thermostat or low coolant level in the engine, which can cause all sorts of other problems if left unchecked.

 

4. Check The Tires

Even in a little bit of snow, a good set of all-weather tires is all you should need for a safe drive on well-traveled roads, even in winter. But for greater peace of mind or more capability in harsher conditions, there are things you can do to improve your car's winter performance. Studless snow tires give you the very best grip on snow or ice, and can be rotated with your summer tires to double the life of both! Or, grab a set of snow chains if you need your city commuter car to tackle a highway mountain pass every now and then. Four-wheel and all-wheel drive can give you greater control in slippery conditions, while rear-wheel drive sports cars might be best left in the garage.

3. Check The Battery

Did you know that cold temperatures make your car battery work harder? The temperature of the ambient air can impact a car battery's effectiveness. That's why they're often measured by their "Cold Cranking Amps" -- that is, how much amperage the battery can provide to start the car in colder temperatures. If your battery is old and starting to wear out, a cold winter might cause it to give you problems when starting the vehicle. Before winter hits, have a battery health test performed on your vehicle. If the battery is strong, you can continue using it for another season. If it's ready to be replaced, we're happy to replace it so you aren't stranded by a bad battery this winter.

 

2. Prepare For Severe Weather & Emergencies

When you park your car at the airport, or embark on that long weekend in the mountains, you can't predict the weather your vehicle might encounter. It's important to be prepared for snow with snow chains if you have some seriously snowy conditions to contend with. An ice scraper is a must for cold locations. You might also stash an emergency kit with some food, a blanket, flashlight and some kind of power source for your mobile device, in case you or your vehicle became stranded in a storm. Winter weather can mean very dangerous driving conditions in certain regions, and it's important to know your car is ready for what's ahead.

1. Don't Forget The Wiper Blades

If you live in a place that has dry summers and wetter winters, the condition of your vehicle's wiper blades come winter might surprise you. They can become damaged by dirt, dust and UV rays over time, especially when parked outside. After months of disuse during a dry summer, they might be cracked and brittle by the colder months. So, when you need them to see you through the first winter snow, they streak and smear on the windshield, making your visibility worse not better.