| 1. Ice scrapers
and snow brushes should be kept in the house if an overnight
storm is predicted. 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.
2. Window and lock de-icer should also be kept in the
house. Keeping additional de-icers at work is also a
good idea.
3. Windshield wiper blades should be capable of completely
clearing the windshield in three swipes. Replace the
blades if cleaning the edge of the blade doesn't help.
Winter-type blades prevent snow from jamming in the
blade's center and are best for driving in snow.
4. Washer fluid should be topped off frequently. Don't
wait until you run out of fluid and the windshield is
covered with salt. Have the defroster on with the heat
to keep the fluid from freezing in extreme cold.
5. Inside window surfaces must be extra clean to reduce
surface fog formation and to speed the defogging process.
Use the air conditioner with heat to dehumidify the
cabin for quicker defogging of all windows.
6. Engine coolant or antifreeze must be tested to ensure
freeze protection to at least -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it looks rusty or has been there for more than two
years, change the antifreeze to restore the rust inhibitors
and water pump lubricant. A professional power flush
will remove any harmful grit that could cause premature
water pump failure.
7. Engine oil should always be changed at least according
to manufacturer's recommended intervals. As winter approaches,
the oil's thickness is very important. Oil that does
not have a "W" in its thickness rating (i.e.
10W-30) might make the engine crank too slow to start.
Check your owner's manual for the recommended thickness
for the coldest temperature expected in your region.
8. Automotive transmission fluid should be full, not
leaking, and should not have a brown, burnt appearance.
Transmissions get a workout when a vehicle gets stuck
in the snow. If the manufacturer's recommended transmission
oil change is close, get it done as a preventive measure.
9. Lights, including high beams, turn signals, and brake
lights must be in working condition, and headlights
must be aimed correctly. Keep the lights clean for maximum
visibility.
10. Tire treads must have at least 2/32" depth
in every groove. If the tread is wearing differently
between the edges and the middle tread, check the tire
pressure. If one side is wearing more than the other,
it's time for a wheel alignment. The deeper the tread
grooves, the better the traction in snow and the higher
the resistance to hydroplaning in water. Tire chains
are helpful, if legal where you live.
11. Brakes should be inspected at least twice a year.
The best times are just before winter and summer to
prevent problems in extreme temperatures.
12. Have the exhaust system inspected before winter.
Exhaust system leaks can be lethal if you are stuck
on ice or snow and the engine is running.
13. Tune up an engine that is not running perfectly,
or it will be harder to start during the winter. Have
any problems diagnosed and repaired before the onset
of winter.
14. An emergency kit should include 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.
15. Battery check ups should take place before winter,
as this is a very stressful period for batteries. |
