Prepare Yourself and Your Car for Winter

Get Yourself and Your Car Ready for Winter

Winter can be a lot of fun. But not if your car says “No” when you’re ready to go. Don't get caught unprepared. Inspect and repair your car before the extreme weather hits.

Then go play in the snow

Here's our Winter checklist:

• Keep ice scrapers and snow brushes in the house or garage in the event of an overnight storm. This will allow you to remove snow and ice before having to open the car doors or trunk. Keep a spare ice scraper in the car as well.
• Windshield wiper blades should completely clear the windshield in three swipes. Replace the blades if cleaning the edge of the blade doesn't help. Consider winter-designed blades to avoid cleaning snow jammed up in the blade's center.
• Top-off your vehicle’s washer fluid frequently. You don't want to run out of fluid with the windshield covered with salt. Running the defroster with the heat can keep the fluid from freezing in extreme cold.
• Clean interior window surfaces to reduce surface condensation and to speed the defogging process. The dashboard vents will help dehumidify the interior for quicker defogging as well.
• Make sure you check the consistency of the engine coolant or antifreeze. It should ensure freeze protection to at least -30 degrees Fahrenheit. If it looks rusty or has been in place for more than two years, change the antifreeze to restore the rust inhibitors and water pump lubricant. Also think about a professional power flush. It can remove the harmful grit that can damage your water pump.

• Check your engine oil. You might want a different viscosity for cold weather cranking. Consult your owner's manual for the viscosity that’s best for the coldest temperatures in your region.
• Check your transmission fluid. It should be full and clean with no leaks. Transmissions get a workout when a vehicle gets stuck in the snow. If you’re close to a manufacturer's recommended transmission oil change, get it done as a preventive measure.
• Check you lights, including high beams, turn signals, and brake lights for maximum visibility.
• Tire treads must have at least 2/32" depth in every groove. 2/32” depth is considered good, but 4/32” is a better rule of thumb to consider for top performance in winter conditions. The deeper the tread grooves, the better the traction in snow and the higher the resistance to hydroplaning in water. Consider tire chains if they are legal where you live.
• Check your brakes to prevent problems in extreme temperatures.
• Have the exhaust system inspected before winter. A leak through the heating system can be lethal if you are stuck on ice or snow and the engine is running.
• Tune the engine if it’s running unevenly. An unhappy engine will be even harder to start during the winter.
• Put together an emergency kit with battery jumper cables, a flashlight, matches, and a 'Help' sign. In colder climates, include a candle, winter blanket, chocolate candy (for energy), shovel and kitty litter or sand for traction.
• Check the battery for maximum cranking ability.

Manny Moe and Jack say get it done now so you can drive safely and stay warm.