It may not have felt like it lately, but it’s inevitable—winter is coming. Yes, even here in Georgia! Are you ready for it?
If you haven’t prepared your car for winter driving yet, it’s time. Learn how to winterize your car with these tips from U Wrench It, and visit us online or in person to find the best affordable auto parts in Atlanta.
How to Winterize a Car
Winterizing a vehicle means different things in different areas of the country, but here in Georgia, these are the main winterizing tasks you need to focus on.
Replace windshield wiper blades and refill wiper fluid.
Rain, snow, sleet, road salt, dirt and grime can obscure your vision, and old, worn out wipers may not be able to effectively clear your windshield. By starting the season with fresh windshield wipers and a full tank of wiper fluid, you’ll be able to keep your windshield clean and maintain visibility on potentially treacherous, icy roads.
Keep your battery charged.
Have you ever noticed that your car battery is more likely to die on really cold days? That’s because the chemical reactions that create the power in a car battery are slowed way down by cold temperatures. It also takes more energy to start an engine in cold temperatures, so between those two things, you’ve got the perfect conditions for a car that won’t start.
Fortunately there are things you can do to avoid this.
- Drive the vehicle regularly. The longer a car sits without being used, the more likely the battery is to lose charge.
- Clean any corrosion on battery terminals.
- If you can park out of the elements, do so. Even if you can’t park in a garage, a carport, next to trees, etc. will help protect your car from the elements.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
One of the worst things you can do for your tires, your car, your gas mileage, and your safety is to drive around with underinflated tires. It’s important to check the air in your tires regularly and fill them back up if needed, especially in the winter. Remember that when air is cold, it becomes denser (think of the molecules as huddling for warmth), which can cause tire pressure to drop, so it’s even more important to keep your tires inflated. When inflated properly, your tires will have better traction and your car will get better gas mileage.
Change your oil (and consider choosing a thinner variety).
It’s never a good idea to put off an oil change, especially during the winter. Cold temperatures can make your oil too thick and viscous, preventing it from making its way through the engine and lubricating it. This can result in your car not starting, or even damage to the engine. Changing to a thinner oil is a simple fix that will protect your car’s engine—and make you less likely to end up shivering in the cold when you’re trying to get to work!
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