With winter fast approaching, is your car ready for the cold? Follow these seven
steps to help your vehicle tackle the elements and to keep you safe this coming
winter season.
1. Check your antifreeze mixture. Shoot for a 50/50 mix of
antifreeze and water inside your radiator to prevent the mixture from freezing.
Use an antifreeze tester – a simple, inexpensive tool available at your local
auto parts store – to check the mixture. If it’s off, drain and refill your
cooling system.
2. Make sure you can see clearly. A blinding blizzard is not
when you want your windshield wipers and wiper fluid to fail you. Wipers work
well for about a year, so if it’s time, invest in some new ones. Also, don’t
forget to top off your windshield washer reservoir regularly.
3. Get a proper oil change. Cold weather can lead to thicker
engine oil, which won’t lubricate the engine well enough. So if it’s time for
your car’s tune-up, don’t delay! During the oil change, make sure the oil used
is the right thickness for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for oil
recommendations for different temperatures.
4. Inspect your battery. Did you know a vehicle’s battery
power can drop up to 50% in extreme cold? Make sure the battery has enough
water, and its posts and connections are free of corrosion. If your battery’s
more than three years old, get a certified repair shop to test it.
5. Check your tire pressure. To maximize your traction on
wet or snowy roads, you need properly inflated tires. But cold weather contracts
the air in your tires and decreases your tire pressure. Check your owner’s
manual for your correct tire pressure, then use a tire gauge to check you
current levels.
6. Consider using snow tires. They may cost extra, but
experts say winter tires are worth the investment. Optimized for snowy and icy
road conditions, snow tires give you better driving traction than all-season
tires. Some insurance companies offer a discount if you use winter tires.
7. Check your four-wheel drive system. Most people don’t use
4WD until winter hits, so make sure it’s working properly. On slippery roads,
4WD will give you more traction. Make sure all drivers of the car know when and
how to use it.
One more way to protect you and your car this season is to make sure you’re
not overpaying for car insurance. Visit InsuranceHotline.com,
your one-stop destination for the lowest rates
for all your insurance needs.