1. INSTALL WINTER WIPERS
These come equipped with rubber that keeps ice from collecting on the blades. Just be sure to remove them when spring rolls around. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, keeping them on all the time increases the risk of burning the motor out too soon.
2. MOUNT WINTER TIRES
If you live in a place that experiences extreme cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when winterizing your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction.
You should definitely have snow tires installed with plenty of time to spare before extreme winter weather arrives. We say, if you can see your breath, it’s time to install winter tires.
Learn more about Blizzak winter tires.
If you plan to drive in snowy conditions, it is suggested that you keep chains handy and know how to install them. If you live somewhere where chains are required, keeping a set on hand is a must.
3. KEEP WASHER FLUID FULL
When driving in snow and ice, you may use a lot of washer fluid in an effort to keep your windshield clean. In order to properly winterize your car, maintain a nearly full washer fluid reservoir and consider keeping a spare bottle or two in the trunk.
In the event of an emergency, you’ll be glad you kept supplies on hand. Here are some things to pack in your winter driving safety kit:
- Ice scraper
- Bag of sand and a shovel
- De-Icing or Traction Solution (salt or kitty litter)
- Cell phone
- Flares
- First aid kit
- Extra antifreeze
- Flashlight and batteries
- Car tool kit
- Jumper cables
- Warm clothing: Extra jacket, hat, socks, boots
- Non-perishable food and beverage items
- Pack of matches
5. SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE REGULARLY
Perhaps the most important precaution for safe winter driving – and one that many winterizing a car lists overlook – is servicing your vehicle. If you’re not doing it regularly, be sure to do it as soon as there’s a chill in the air.
Belts and hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables: these can go bad at any time of year, but if they go bad during the winter, you could be stranded in a very cold place for a very long time – and that could be dangerous.
When you get your vehicle serviced, be sure the technician checks the following:
- Battery and charging system
- Antifreeze and cooling system
Just because your battery works fine now doesn’t mean it will in sub-freezing temperatures. Cars can be harder to start in the winter and may need a powerful, high-performing battery. A good battery for winter driving will bear the 600 CCA (cold cranking amps) rating. It is recommended that your auto care provider can install a battery at or above 600 CCA for optimal winter performance.
As for the cooling system, it is recommended to maintain a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water. You can always use the well-known, green-colored antifreeze, but some engines also take a newer, longer-lasting coolant that may or may not be green in color. Ask your technician which is best for your engine. Also confirm the appropriate coolant to water ratio for your situation.
6. MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURE
Every 10 degree change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. This means you should check pressure more regularly during winter and refill your tires as needed. Appropriate pressure for your tires can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual.
7. KEEP THE GAS TANK AT LEAST HALF FULL
Fill up often! Keeping gas in the tank is more important in winter than in summer. Why? For one thing, a full tank can help prevent gas line freeze ups. Not only that, but if you’re ever stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.
8. KEEP YOUR REAR-WINDOW DEFROSTER IN WORKING ORDER
Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions. That’s why several states have laws stating that all your windows must be clear of condensation and debris. When winterizing your car, check your rear-window defroster before cold weather arrives to be sure it’s working properly.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to remove all snow and ice from the windshields, windows, tops, and sides of your vehicle – yes, all of it! There are two reasons for this: removing debris from all windows and the roof improves visibility, and prevents chunks of it from falling off and hitting other cars.
In addition, remember these things before getting behind the wheel in winter:
- Allow enough time to get where you need to go safely.
- Slow down!
- Allow more stopping distance. Snow and ice make it more difficult to stop. Allow more space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Watch the weather. Be aware of any trecherous weather that may be headed to your area.
If the roads are just too dangerous, don’t risk an accident!
Call Mike’s Economy Transmission in Mckinney TX today to have your car or truck checked out BEFORE the harsh Winter season sets in! 972-562-8500
article from: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/how-to-winterize-a-car
Tip 1
Check and change the oil. No single step will help an engine last more than regular oil and filter changes will. Conversely, nothing will destroy an engine faster than neglecting oil-level checks or fresh-oil changes.
Tip 2
Flush the cooling system and change coolant once a year. A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water will keep the cooling system in good shape and prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the cooling system.
Tip 3
Change out transmission and differential oils. While not requiring frequent service, these fluids must be changed according to service intervals. Always use transmission fluid or gear oil of the recommended type and viscosity.
Tip 4
Keep it clean. While washing the outside of the vehicle is obvious, most everything the vehicle ran over can also get stuck to the underside. Hosing off winter salt and road grime is a good idea.
Tip 5
Everything with moving parts needs grease to survive. This ball joint went into early retirement due to poor lubrication.
Tip 6
Nothing keeps paint looking good and protected like a coat of quality wax. Apply wax at least every six months.
Tip 7
Driveline components such as u-joints also require regular lubrication. The driveline may have to be removed to access the zerk grease fitting.
Tip 8
Protect the interior plastic by parking the vehicle in the shade, using a window deflector screen, and applying a UV protectant to prevent the plastic and vinyl from drying out.
Tip 9
Inspect, clean, and repack wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease according to service intervals. Wheel bearings and grease are inexpensive compared to spindle and hub replacement, or liberated wheels rolling down the road ahead of you.
Tip 10
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it is adept at attracting moisture. Moisture causes components to corrode and fail. Replace fluid and bleed system once a year. Brake fluid is cheap. Calipers, hoses, and sensors are expensive.
by Mike Bumbeck / autoMedia.com
Roadside Emergency Kit a Perfect Gift for the College Bound
School is almost back in session and students across the country will soon be packing up their cars and heading off to college. If you are searching for that perfect gift for the college-bound kid in your life, the Car Care Council suggests putting together a roadside emergency kit.
“A roadside kit is easy to assemble, not too expensive and extremely useful, plus it could be a life saver in the event of an emergency,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “While it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected while on the road, the best option is to avoid breakdowns and car trouble wherever possible. Performing basic maintenance and observing a regular service schedule can help avoid unforeseen road emergencies.”
Roadside emergency items can fit into a small duffle bag or rubber storage tote and include the following:
- Jumper cables
- Emergency flares
- Flashlight with batteries
- Blankets and extra clothes
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- First aid kit, including essential medications
- Portable USB charger to keep the cell phone running even if the car is not
- Ice scraper, snow brush and small shovel for winter driving
- The Car Care Guide, available free of charge at carcare.org
Visit the Car Care Council’s website to access a number of tips and resources for vehicle maintenance, including a free custom service schedule.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.
Vehicle Checklist for Back-to-School Carpool Season
School carpool season is upon us and the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers to make sure their vehicles are kid-safe and road ready with a five-point checklist:
- Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check the exterior and interior lights and replace any that are dimming, rapidly blinking or not functioning. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
- Get an annual brake inspection. The braking system is your car’s most important safety feature. Before carpool season gets in full swing, make sure that your brakes are functioning properly. Schedule a brake inspection and look for warning signs that your vehicle may need brake services, such as an illuminated brake light or screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
- Check tires for under inflation or excessive wear. Check tire pressure and refill underinflated tires, including the spare, and look for uneven wear and check tread depth. An easy way to do the latter is by placing a penny head-down in the tread groove. If the tread does not cover Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
- Make sure everyone is buckled up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website has important tips on seat belt fit and position. For the younger ones riding along, the site has information about how to install car seats as well as guidelines on selecting a car seat or booster based on your child’s age and size.
- Consider a back-up detection device. Consider having a back-up detection device installed that provides rearview video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While drivers should not rely solely on these devices, they can help to reduce the risk of backover incidents along with following other prevention tips from NHTSA.
“Back-to-school time is hectic for most families, but scheduling a complete vehicle inspection is time well spent,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing your vehicle was checked by a professional technician will give you peace of mind and make all those trips to school and activities safer and less stressful.”
Phone: (972) 562-8500
