With cold weather in full swing, it becomes crucial to winterize car parts and make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly throughout the season. Sometimes, it isn’t always possible to drive during thick snow, but ensuring that your vehicle is protected from the harsh cold weather will save you dollars you’d spend on repairs due to not winterizing your car, and it will give you peace of mind.
Cold Weather Car Care, Why Is It so Important?
When winterizing your car, you’re ensuring the safety of yourself and your passengers on board since driving in extreme winter conditions can be dangerous. With a winterized car, you can also be sure that your vehicle can manage the harsh weather while driving in snowy and cold conditions.
Winterize Your Car With These Tips
Tip #1 Use winter tires
You cannot navigate snowy terrain, even light snow, using regular tires. Swap them out for winter tires.
Tip #2 Regularly replace wiper blades and use winter wipers
Since driving in snowy, wet conditions is harsh on visibility, replacing your wipers is crucial for winter. Wiper blades may deteriorate faster in cold weather. Use winter wiper blades rather than standard wipers.
Tip #3 Change the oil and check other liquid
Since oil thickens in cold weather, changing your oil to 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30 are all good oil recommendations for new cars that work in cold weather. When it comes to antifreeze and water, make sure that it is at least an even 50/50 ratio on a regular basis. Still, the antifreeze should be more, for example, a 70/30 ratio for colder temperatures.
Tip #4 Pack a first aid winter safety kit
Winter driving must be accompanied by a safety kit. The typical winter safety kit can contain a tow rope, battery boost cables, more antifreeze, a blanket, gloves, water, food ration, flashlights, an ice scraper, and wet wipes.
In addition to the above, you can add extras that might come in handy in an emergency while on the road during winter.
Tip #5 Check that the window defroster works
Icy windows are a big no, no, and it is vital to check that the defrosters work. Visibility is always crucial when driving.
Furthermore, you should also learn how-to drive-in ice since it is different from regular tarmac driving. Also, note the stopping speed and how soon you should stop behind the other vehicle, and the distance it leaves between the two cars. Know how to control the car going up or downhill. Learn the appropriate speed in these icy conditions.
Get all your care supplies and services like car maintenance, air filter replacement, transmission fluid flush, car repairs, and more with A2Z Compete Car Care in Longmont, Colorado.