The winter season can be tough on your car and you. According to statistics, vehicle accidents on snowy or icy roads make up 24% of all weather-related motor accidents. It could be due to several reasons, but an important reason could be that most cars are not winter-optimized. As a car owner, you must prepare your car for the onslaught of winter. Not only will it boost your car’s lifespan, but it will also reduce the number of repairs you would need to do in the warmer months. Here are some winter car care tips to keep you and your car safe while on the road.
- Purchase snow tires
Even though all-season tires are on the market, purchasing tires purposely for driving in snow comes highly recommended. Just like all-season tires, snow tires are made completely out of rubber. However, this rubber is much softer than the former. They also have an incredible grip on snow, slush, and ice due to their unique tread design. That means you have a better chance of braking while in motion without skidding off the ice.
When installing your winter tires for the cold weather, always make sure to replace all four tires for better balance and control. Installing only two tires would make it more difficult for you to handle while on the road. Snow tires are more than just a fad or a ploy to make you buy expensive add-ons for your car. They are completely worth investing in and guarantee your peace of mind while driving on icy roads.
- Check your wipers regularly
Ensure that your wipers are always in good condition with holes or tears. They must be able to clean your windscreen efficiently. Remember that not all wipers are designed for snow and ice, so if you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, you might want to consider getting a winter wiper for your car.
It is easier to wipe water and dust from your windscreen with normally fitted wipers. However, it is not the same for snow and sheets of ice. Winter blades are much stronger than normal wipers and can remove ice without difficulties. You should also check your washer fluid levels. If you’ve been putting plain old water into your washer fluid tank, it’s high time you reconsidered getting proper washer fluid. That’s because, in the winter months, your plain water might freeze when being sprayed out of its jets to clean your windshield, especially in very cold areas. Fortunately, most washer fluids have lower freezing points, so it’s important to check out all those boxes before purchasing one.
- Watch your battery’s health
One of the leading causes of vehicle breakdowns is having a faulty or flat battery. Unfortunately, the cold weather can further stress your battery’s health, especially if you park outdoors. As a car owner, it is recommended that you replace your car’s battery every three years or earlier if you have noticed any battery-related issues during the winter.
If your car’s engine doesn’t turn over as quickly as it usually does, refuses to start, or displays a warning red light on your dashboard, it could be signs that your battery has gone flat or faulty. Most drivers can test the lifespan of their car’s battery’s health levels. However, it shouldn’t cost you much to have it tested at a repair shop if you cannot. Some even do it for free.
- Check your lights
The days are short during the winter months, while the nights are longer. That means if you drive a lot, you might spend a large part of your time driving in the dark. That’s why you need to ensure that your car’s exterior lights perform excellently.
Ensure that you properly clean your headlights, signal lights, and taillights regularly before setting off on the road, especially if they appear foggy. It would be best if you replaced any faulty bulbs with preferably LED bulbs. These bulbs are extremely useful in low visibility situations, making it easier for approaching drivers to see you on the road. Plus, LED lights are energy-efficient and can last for as long as 10 years.
- Top up antifreeze/coolant levels
Your car needs antifreeze throughout the year and not just in the winter. However, your vehicle will use more antifreeze than normal in the much colder months. That’s because when the temperature drops, your car pumps coolant into its engine to maintain a stable temperature. It would also help protect your car from rusting and prevent engine corrosion.
There are various kinds of antifreeze for cars. Some are usually sold already concentrated, while others come in mixed solutions. Antifreeze and coolants play similar roles but have varying concentration levels. Usually, the antifreeze would have to be diluted equally with water, whereas coolants do not need to be diluted. When filling your car with antifreeze/coolant, ensure that your car engine is cool and not overfilled, as that could damage your car.
- Warm-up your car
This tip is the easiest one on this list, but it is also the most important. In the winter, you must warm your car up before getting on the road. That’s because you need to ensure that your engine is well lubricated and has circulated oil throughout your car’s system. You can let the car run for as short as a minute before setting off. However, most drivers prefer to leave the engine running for as long as 20 minutes. Ideally, in colder settings, it would be best you leave your car running between 3-5 minutes. Most modern cars are fully lubricated between 20 to 30 seconds. Therefore, anything beyond the recommended time during the winter would waste gas.
Caring for your car during the winter might seem cumbersome. Nonetheless, you must do so. There are many other winter care tips and recommendations for your car to learn more about, so ensure that you keep up with the latest updates and trends.
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