How to Prepare a Car for Winter Driving
Prepare your car for winter driving according to the worst weather you can expect in your area., Check your anti-freeze., If you have a garage, use it for sheltering your car., Confirm that your heater system works correctly and the core doesn't...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare your car for winter driving according to the worst weather you can expect in your area.
Winter weather will find the overlooked weakness if your preparation is incomplete. , Coolant systems that are not in the right proportion will lead to overheating due to freezing.
Have the car's coolant system flushed in the fall before the first freeze.
You also need to check the system for leaks and install fresh coolant. , Protect your paint job, guard against ice on the windshield (see tips), and guard against the fluids and/or water in your radiator from freezing.
And, yes, there is such a thing as “gas line freeze”.
Condensation builds up in the gas line and gas tank, and freezes. (You may want to inquire with an auto parts store about a head bolt heater.) If you do not have shelter for your car, invest in a car cover.
Try to find one that is reversible – with one side a very bright color such as orange, yellow and in neon shades.
A car cover will not save you from freezing fluids, but it will keep snow and ice off the windshield and your paint, and help protect your car from salts that might be used on the streets in your community. ,, Change the windshield wiper fluid with one that has antifreeze added to it. , The cold weather puts unusual demands on the charging system. , An older car in an area that has temperatures that fall below freezing often uses 30-weight single viscosity oil.
You need to go to a lower viscosity oil, like a 10-weight, when the temperature falls below zero and stays there.
This also applies to your automatic transmission fluid.
Higher weight oils and transmission fluids do not lubricate sufficiently in colder weather.
Newer automobiles use multi-viscosity oil such as 10 and 30 weights.
This eliminates the need to change type of oil. , (Like overnight.) The warm air in your tires rises.
As it cools the bottom of the tire goes “flat”.
This will resolve itself once you begin to drive and the air starts to circulate again.
But start off slowly.
Consult with a tire retailer about snow tires and chains.
Ensure traction so you know you are safe when driving on icy roads.
Check your vehicle's tire treads.
Replace any tires that do not have sufficient tread.
Snow tires may also be a good investment. , Know where you are.
Before you leave your starting point, advise a family member, friend or neighbor of your destination and judge the approximate duration of the trip.
If possible, contact those persons if you will be delayed.
Notify them when you reach your destination. -
Step 2: Check your anti-freeze.
If no such item can be found, apply a very large X on the roof section of the car cover.
This can be achieved with vinyl, waterproof tape or take the car cover to an upholster to have a durable, highly reflective vinyl X sewn on.
On the front and rear sides of the cover, use the same methods to apply your license plate number.
When not in use, keep the car cover in the trunk. , This will provide added traction while driving and the sand can be used around your tires if you become stuck.) A camping shovel At least one sleeping bag, preferably one that is down.
Water Foodstuffs that can be eaten cold. (Described in Item number
4.) A small First Aid kit A small tool kit, a jack that works and a spare tire in usable condition, and jumper cables. , If it has reception, call an emergency number first, then call the persons that are aware of your route and your travel time schedule.
Test the cell phone periodically.
Do not try to walk over for help.
Exit the car ONLY to recover items from the trunk. , Position the X on the roof the best you can.
The car cover will help retain heat inside the car and repel the cold, wind, and drafts.
If you are in a severe situation, the reflective X can by seen by aircraft that may be conducting a search for you.
Your license plate numbers will be visible to a search and rescue team working on the ground. -
Step 3: If you have a garage
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Step 4: use it for sheltering your car.
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Step 5: Confirm that your heater system works correctly and the core doesn't leak
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Step 6: the blower works and the window defroster is operating.
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Step 7: Inspect the windshield wipers and replace them if they are worn or have become hardened.
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Step 8: Examine the car's electrical system
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Step 9: particularly the battery and charging arrangement.
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Step 10: Maintain fluids regularly.
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Step 11: Expect to have “square tires” after you have had the car sitting for a while.
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Step 12: Avoid driving in weather conditions such as a blizzard
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Step 13: extreme cold and high winds or in rural areas of your community.
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Step 14: In item number 2
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Step 15: it was noted that a car cover should be of a bright
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Step 16: neon color on one side.
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Step 17: Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your trunk containing: Flares Flashlight and batteries (keep in the glove box or inside the vehicle) Candles and a lighter or matches (keep them dry in a sealed
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Step 18: plastic bag Battery operated radio Spare batteries for your cellphone and flashlight 2 bags of sand (one on each side of the trunk
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Step 19: near the wheel wells.
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Step 20: If you become stranded in your car
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Step 21: FIRST test your cell phone.
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Step 22: Put the car cover on the vehicle with the bright
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Step 23: reflective X side out.
Detailed Guide
Winter weather will find the overlooked weakness if your preparation is incomplete. , Coolant systems that are not in the right proportion will lead to overheating due to freezing.
Have the car's coolant system flushed in the fall before the first freeze.
You also need to check the system for leaks and install fresh coolant. , Protect your paint job, guard against ice on the windshield (see tips), and guard against the fluids and/or water in your radiator from freezing.
And, yes, there is such a thing as “gas line freeze”.
Condensation builds up in the gas line and gas tank, and freezes. (You may want to inquire with an auto parts store about a head bolt heater.) If you do not have shelter for your car, invest in a car cover.
Try to find one that is reversible – with one side a very bright color such as orange, yellow and in neon shades.
A car cover will not save you from freezing fluids, but it will keep snow and ice off the windshield and your paint, and help protect your car from salts that might be used on the streets in your community. ,, Change the windshield wiper fluid with one that has antifreeze added to it. , The cold weather puts unusual demands on the charging system. , An older car in an area that has temperatures that fall below freezing often uses 30-weight single viscosity oil.
You need to go to a lower viscosity oil, like a 10-weight, when the temperature falls below zero and stays there.
This also applies to your automatic transmission fluid.
Higher weight oils and transmission fluids do not lubricate sufficiently in colder weather.
Newer automobiles use multi-viscosity oil such as 10 and 30 weights.
This eliminates the need to change type of oil. , (Like overnight.) The warm air in your tires rises.
As it cools the bottom of the tire goes “flat”.
This will resolve itself once you begin to drive and the air starts to circulate again.
But start off slowly.
Consult with a tire retailer about snow tires and chains.
Ensure traction so you know you are safe when driving on icy roads.
Check your vehicle's tire treads.
Replace any tires that do not have sufficient tread.
Snow tires may also be a good investment. , Know where you are.
Before you leave your starting point, advise a family member, friend or neighbor of your destination and judge the approximate duration of the trip.
If possible, contact those persons if you will be delayed.
Notify them when you reach your destination.
If no such item can be found, apply a very large X on the roof section of the car cover.
This can be achieved with vinyl, waterproof tape or take the car cover to an upholster to have a durable, highly reflective vinyl X sewn on.
On the front and rear sides of the cover, use the same methods to apply your license plate number.
When not in use, keep the car cover in the trunk. , This will provide added traction while driving and the sand can be used around your tires if you become stuck.) A camping shovel At least one sleeping bag, preferably one that is down.
Water Foodstuffs that can be eaten cold. (Described in Item number
4.) A small First Aid kit A small tool kit, a jack that works and a spare tire in usable condition, and jumper cables. , If it has reception, call an emergency number first, then call the persons that are aware of your route and your travel time schedule.
Test the cell phone periodically.
Do not try to walk over for help.
Exit the car ONLY to recover items from the trunk. , Position the X on the roof the best you can.
The car cover will help retain heat inside the car and repel the cold, wind, and drafts.
If you are in a severe situation, the reflective X can by seen by aircraft that may be conducting a search for you.
Your license plate numbers will be visible to a search and rescue team working on the ground.
About the Author
Thomas Mendoza
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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