Here’s How to Winterize Your Car – Infographic
Winter can be one of the most challenging times to drive safely.
Temperatures are dropping, weather changes fast. Colorado winter is getting into full swing. Knowing how to prepare your car for winter conditions is extremely important for your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road – especially during extreme weather conditions such as snow and ice.
While vehicles don’t require as much to prepare for winter as they did in the past, there are still a few key things you can do to winterize your car correctly.
Car Battery
Colder temperatures reduce your car’s battery power.
When temperatures hit freezing, battery power is reduced as much as 30%, and that percentage grows as the temperature continues to drop. Your local AMMCO Colorado battery technicians can perform a battery load test to make sure your battery will be strong enough to start during these cold winter months.
Don’t forget to check…
You will also want to check the battery cables, tray, and brackets for corrosion. If your battery is four years old or older, then it might be time to replace it. Replacing your battery now will save you a headache, and potentially dangerous situation down the road.
Tires
Winter driving often involves less than ideal driving conditions, particularly here in Colorado where you may find yourself driving at high altitudes, on steep inclines, and around sharp mountain turns.
Check your tires before the first snow hits.
You want to make sure your tires are inflated to their correct poundage and have enough tread. When the treads are worn down to the same height as the wean bar you know, it’s time for a new set of tires.
Still not sure how to tell if your tires are worn down?
Try this classic test: take a penny and insert it into the grooves of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can still see all of his head then you know your tires are bald and need to be replaced.
Engine Coolant System
Check your engine coolant system.
You can mix an equal portion of water and anti-freeze into your engine coolant system to prevent boiling over or freezing during the winter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing your anti-freeze.
Your nearest AAMCO Colorado location can check your engine coolant system with a hydrometer.
It’s easy to find a nearby AMMCO Colorado cooling systems maintenance location.
Windshield Wipers & Fluid
Having visibility is key to safe winter driving.
Be sure to check your windshield wipers and replace them if needed. Windshield wipers need to be changed if they are leaving any streaks of water on your windshield, or if the rubber of the blade is showing signs of cracking and becoming stiff.
Always use an ice scraper and snowbrush to remove any snow, ice or thick frost from the windshield before using your windshield wipers.
Leaving your car parked outside in winter weather conditions?
Be sure to lift your windshield wipers off of the glass to prevent them from becoming frozen stuck on your windshield.
You will also want to make sure your windshield wiper fluid does not freeze (contains anti-freeze) and that your windshield wiper fluid reservoir has been topped off.
Safety First
Getting stranded during the winter months, especially during a winter storm, can be downright deadly.
Make sure you have gear in your car for an emergency situation during the winter months. You might want to consider including a first aid kit, jumper cables, extra blankets and clothes, tire chains, water, flares or reflectors, clumping kitty litter (for tire traction), flashlights, ice scraper, snow brush, and shovel. Having emergency supplies on hand can be the difference between life and death if you are stranded during the winter.
A Worry-Free Winter with AAMCO Colorado
Colorado winters can be unpredictable – with winter conditions often persisting into April each year. Take these steps in advance, and visit your local AAMCO Colorado mechanic for a worry-free winter. Mechanics and tire shops regularly get busy as soon as cold weather, snow and ice hit – don’t be caught unprepared this winter.
Schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Colorado location today for a tune-up or safety check.