by Christine G.

Created on: December 03, 2008

There is no more inconvenient time to have car trouble than in the dead of winter. When the leaves fall and the air is chill, it's time to winterize.

Typically, this involves a visit to your friendly neighbourhood service center. Ask about their seasonal service package, and make sure it includes everything you need. This would include:

*checking the coolant antifreeze, and making sure it can withstand the lowest local temperatures

*checking the block heater (if you are lucky enough to live in a really cold place like Northern Ontario)

*changing to a low viscosity oil

*topping up fluid levels

*making sure the battery has lots of zip, and checking cables and clamps for wear and corrosion

*checking all belts and hoses, and replacing any that are not in good condition. Cold weather will weaken them, and make them more likely to break.

*changing to snow tires (if you have them)

*making sure tire pressure is optimal for traction

*installing heavy-duty windshield wipers that are capable of dealing with ice and snow as well as rain

*checking the heating and defrosting system for efficiency, and the windows and doors for air leaks

*if you have four-wheel drive, checking that it is fully functional, and you know how to use it

Some of these tasks do not require a trained professional, so you can save on shop fees by doing them yourself.

Before freezing temperatures arrive, wash and wax your car. If you do this too late in the season, you will be plagued by frozen locks, windows and doors. Consider giving the car a second coat of wax to protect it from snow, slush road salt and other melting agents. You may want to apply protective undercoating as well, to reduce corrosion.

Keep your gas tank close to full during the winter months, to reduce condensation. Using a gas-line antifreeze will lessen the possibility of stalling or refusing to start.

Your preparations are not complete until you have stocked your trunk with essential supplies and tools. A communications system such as Onstar can be a life-saver. Deployment of the airbags or a simple touch of a button will bring help, and your GPS will tell rescuers your exact location. However, there may be times when help may be delayed, so you will need warm blankets or a sleeping bag, warm boots and mitts, a heat source, a container for melting snow for water, and some emergency food to help keep your metabolism and spirits up.

Besides your year-round safety kit (stuff like flashlights, tools, jumper cables and flares) and spare tire, include a collapsible shovel, traction aids (such as chains, sand, salt, kitty litter), a generous supply of winter-grade windshield washer fluid, and a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush. All these things take up space, and you will be tempted to take them out to make room for more important things like beer, groceries, and Christmas presents. If you are not going far, in a well-populated area on a nice day, it may be safe to do without them for a limited time. Consider the consequences carefully. You may never need your emergency supplies, but when you do need them, it may be a matter of life and death.

Drive carefully, allowing for hazardous road conditions and other drivers who may be in the process of learning winter driving the hard way. When the weather is frightful, stay off the road if at all possible. Don't put yourself at risk unnecessarily.

Happy driving!

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