by Pauline Abreu

Created on: November 24, 2011

If you live in an area where the winters are bad it is a good idea to winterize your vehicle.  Follow some simple rules and you will ensure your car has a better chance of surviving the winter months.  Winterizing your car is just a matter of protecting it against the harsher weather.  Giving your car an all over check before winter can save you a lot of money.  At this time of year it is even more essential that your car is well maintained. 

* Check your tires *

You should check the tread depth as well as the tire pressure.  If the tread is low you should replace the tire.  You can look in your owners manual for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.  Tire pressure and tread are important factors for keeping traction on the road during the winter time.  You may also want to consider switching to snow tires if you are in an area with a lot of snow. 

* Have sufficient antifreeze *

There should be a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in your radiator.  You can pick up a testing kit from an auto parts store.  If it is off you will need to have the cooling system drained and the correct mix put in.  You can do this yourself as long as you have a way of safely disposing of the old antifreeze. 

* Get your battery tested *

You should take your car to a certified repair shop to have the battery power checked.  Also check the battery posts and connections are free from corrosion.  Check the battery has all the water it needs.  

* Check the windshield wipers *

Check your cars wipers and replace them if needed, if they are more than a year old they will most likely need to be replaced.  You should also make sure you have washer fluid in your windshield water reservoir.  This is also a good time to check the heater and defroster are in working order.

* Belts and hoses *

Winter can have a bad effect on belts and hoses so be sure to check for any potential damage.  Cold weather can turn a simple fault into a major problem.  If your not sure what to look for have a professional look them over. 

* Make sure your 4WD works *

If you have it check that its in working order.  More than likely you haven't used 4WD during the nicer weather, unless you do a lot of off road driving.  4WD doesn't mean you can drive faster in snow, it just means the vehicle has more traction.  Checking it out before winter is a good idea. 

* Keep an emergency kit in your car *

Nobody wants to be stranded on a cold winters day or night.  However, you will want to be prepared just in case your put in that situation.  A spare tire and the tools to change a tire is something you should have in your vehicle.  An ice scraper, shovel, washer fluid, engine oil, and coolant are all good items to have on hand.  Flashlights, extra clothing, and a blanket are a must. 

These are some basic rules for winterizing your car.  You should get your car checked by a mechanic throughout the year, and especially just before winter.  Following these winterizing tips will give your car a better chance of winter survival.

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