It's that time of the year; the temperatures are dropping, the days are getting short, and the leaves are falling from the trees.
For many, it's time to enjoy the holidays, but for car owners, it's when their cars are put to the test. Sometimes, the battery dies or the car door freezes; in some cases, moisture builds up in your car's interior, and the windows need de-icing. Not to mention you'll get on the road and have to deal with slippery ice and snow.
Many problems brought by winter can be prevented by winterizing your car. This way, you avoid emergency scenarios where your car breaks down and leaves you stranded.
However, winterizing your car depends on various factors, including but not limited to what car you have, where you live, and how old your car is. While a one-size-fits-all solution doesn't exist, Oak Motors offers practical winter car tips to prepare your vehicle for winter and cold months.
Start With Tires!
Turning your car into a winter warrior starts with getting a new set of winter tires. When the temperatures go down, you want to check for changing temperatures that could affect traction. Even though all-season tires may do the work, winter tires are specifically designed to offer better traction on ice and slippery roads, and they don't harden in the cold.
They come with deep and wide grooves that cling to the road during winter. All-wheel and four-wheel drives perform better with winter tires as they reduce the braking distance and make driving on snowy roads easier.
Winter tires offer great safety during the cold months, even on dry roads.
How?
The rubber compound used in the tires remains soft even at low temperatures. Remember, a soft tire is better off on a road surface when compared to a hard one. This way, your vehicle remains stable thanks to the high traction and thus keeping you safe.
Maintain Tire Pressure
Once your winter tires are in place, ensure they have enough tire pressure. For instance, a 10-degree drop in temperature equates to your vehicle's tire pressure reducing by one psi (pound per square inch).
Keep the tire gauge close if your car doesn't have a tire pressure monitoring system. Even better, you can buy a portable air compressor when you need to pump out tires. Some more advanced compressors also allow you to set the psi level and power off once the tire hits a specific mark.
Install Winter Wipers
These wipers come with a rubber edge which prevents ice from collecting on the blades. The rubber acts as a protective layer and allows the wipers to move smoothly across the windshields despite the snowy conditions.
Using a summer blade is highly prone to breaking. It also needs to be stronger to clear your windshield efficiently. At Oak Motors, we cannot stress enough the importance of having enough visibility and traction when driving your car during the cold season. Remember to change them once spring kicks in.
Keep Washer Fluid Full
This is an issue we usually see with many vehicles during winter. Many people don't know that a vehicle's washer fluid can be the difference between a clear and blurry windshield. After all, how will you get to a friend's house for a homemade pie if you can't see down the road?
Remember, driving through a wild snowstorm can exhaust your washer fluid reservoir. With this in mind, keep the washer reservoir full at all times. In addition, be cautious when buying your washer fluid: always ensure it can withstand low temperatures. Always consult a professional when in doubt.
Always Have Winter Safety Essentials
Your car is a haven when you're out driving during winter. With this in mind, stock your vehicle with a winter safety kit. Your kit should have the following emergency essentials:
- Flashlight and new batteries
- Warm blanket
- Fresh drinking water
- First-aid kit
- Antifreeze
- Extra cellphone
- A shovel
- Spare clothes and warm shoes
- A bag of sand (comes in handy to provide extra traction in slippery and wet places)
Quick Hack!
Remember to keep the gas tank half full, which helps lower condensation. To also stay on the safe side, keep your rear-window defroster in working order to increase the rear view visibility.
Drive With Oak Motors
We hope our guide provides the best insights on winterizing your car. Even though winter is tough on cars, doing a little can make a substantial difference.
At Oak Motors, we provide quality vehicles with the best value for your money. Whether you want the all-mighty Outlander or the modest but powerful Volkswagen, contact us today to learn how you can get approved for the car you want.
Categories: Vehicle Maintenance