Prepare your car for winter
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remind motorists to take precautions in cold-weather driving. One of the easiest things to do is keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. The Atlanta-based organization has also compiled a checklist.
Keep your car fueled and in good working order. Be sure to check the following:
- Antifreeze
- Windshield wiper fluid (wintertime mixture)
- Heater
- Defroster
- Brakes
- Brake fluid
- Ignition
- Emergency flashers
- Exhaust
- Tires (air pressure and wear)
- Fuel
- Oil
- Battery
- Radiator
Frost officially arrived on my windshield last week, signaling the start of the winter driving season here in Atlanta. Before the real snow and ice arrive in the metro area, now is a good time to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready.
The first thing I suggest you do is purchase in ice scraper for your windshield. After using an old CD case the last couple of winters, I finally got a proper ice scraper for my Jeep. It is a lot easier to use and more effective than an old Michael Bolton CD cover.
Apparently, I’m not the only one to use a CD cover as an ice scraper. I asked people on Facebook what odd items they used to scrap frost and ice and the list was both amusing and concerning.
Old credit cards, spatulas, driver’s licenses, putty knives and even wooden spoons are popular alternatives to the traditional store bought ice scraper.
We are all adults here; it’s time to get a real ice scraper. Now that we’ve cleared that up, what else should we do to make sure our cars are winter ready?
Steve Braxton, owner of Braxton Automotive on Howell Mill Rd. in Atlanta says there are a few things that drivers need to do to make sure their vehicles are ready for arctic temperatures.
“The number one thing to do is to check the coolant protection level,” Braxton said. “You need to make sure you have the proper 50/50 mix of coolant and water.”
Another important item to check is you vehicle’s battery.
“It’s a good idea to have a proper battery service,” Braxton said. “Make sure the fluid level in the battery is correct. Clean the terminals.”
Braxton also suggests topping of the charge of the battery.
“A battery that only has 33 percent capacity will still start a car,” Braxton said. “It might start fine on a nice 60-degree day, but when it gets cold the battery could be laboring.”
Now is a good time to also check your tires. Make sure they have proper tread for inclimate weather and that the pressure is correct. And don’t forget to check your spare tire.
“Make sure your spare tire is in good working order with proper pressure,” Braxton said.
A complete fluid check is also suggested, including making sure you are using the correct oil for your car.
“When you are starting an engine cold, it’s crucial to have proper viscosity level,” Braxton said.
Braxton also said that using “winter, windshield wiper fluid” is a good idea. I never even knew that such a product existed, but I will definitely be getting some for my car and my wife’s SUV.
Finally, have your belts looked at.
“Have the belts checked,” Braxton said. “Make sure they are not cracked, and check the timing belt records.”
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