When I got my first car, my dad insisted that I always carry a shovel and a couple of sand bags in the trunk. This was his way of winterizing my car and making sure I wouldn’t fishtail off the road, and if I did I could at the very least dig myself out. I always thought he was a little silly about it but now with a 16-year-old of my own, I see his wisdom and so I made a checklist for my own daughter when she finally gets her first car.
Tires
Let’s start with the most obvious part of driving in winter. Keeping your tires on the road and making sure they last through the winter. Two fairly simple concepts with just a few things to do, including making sure you have the best tires for the job.
Buying a set of snow tires would be ideal but not always the most realistic thing possible for everyone. If you are not in a position to invest that much money then you should at the very least make sure your tires are in good condition. Check the tread depth and how they are worn. Badly worn tires will not be able to grip wet or snowed over roads as well as a set of tires in good condition. It’s also a good idea to regularly check the tire pressure when the temperature drops. The cold can make pressure changes that could be detrimental to your tire’s performance.
Oil and Water
The oil you use in summer may not be the best for your car in winter. The difference in its thickness can either improve or worsen your car’s ability to run properly in colder temperatures. Checking what viscosity is right for your engine can be done by reading your owner’s manual or asking a professional the next time you get an oil change.
It’s also imperative that you make sure your anti-freeze mixture is on the nose once the cold sets in. A 50:50 mixture of antifreeze and water is recommended and can be checked with an anti-freeze tester available at most automotive retailers.
Finally your wip,er fluid should include a de-icer so that when in use it won’t simply freeze to the glass when you are trying to clear off salt and sand. This is also the perfect time to change out your wipers. Most windshield wipers only have a life of one year anyway, so take the opportunity to change them out while you are preparing your vehicle for the upcoming weather.
Battery
One of the most inconvenient parts of winter is getting into your car, turning the key and finding that nothing happens because your battery is dead. The winter cold can reduce your battery’s power by half overnight making it completely useless when trying to start your car. To help prevent this have your battery power level checked and ensure you have the proper battery for your car during extreme cold. You should also make sure the battery’s posts and and connections are free from corrosives.
While you are under the hood, take the time to double check all valves, hoses and belts. Most are easily and quite cheaply replaced, so if any of them look as though they are worn out or about to be worn out, invest the few dollars now to replace them and avoid the towing costs that could come along later.
Emergency Kit
Even the best preparation won’t ensure you avoid all problems. In case something unexpected happens on the road this winter, you should have an emergency kit in your car ready to be put to use. This can include basics like a flashlight and flares so that you can signal for help if needed. You may also want to consider items for warmth such as spare gloves, clothing and blankets in case you have to wait for assistance.
You may want to consider other things of use such as protein bars for emergencies and water as well in case the wait is longer than you might be expecting. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand for any basic injuries that might occur.
Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t include my dad’s favorites as well. Keeping a shovel and ice scraper is a must. And for better traction, both as weight for rear wheel drive and for getting out of the snow if you happen to get stuck, include some sand bags or bags of kitty litter. Both will help your tires grab hold and hopefully help you as you try to get out of snowdrifts or get traction on ice.
If you prepare yourself and your car this winter, you have a better chance of getting through this winter with little or no problems. And if you do find yourself suddenly off-roading, you will at least be ready.