Driving in cold-weather months poses some special challenges – ice at the road’s edge, snowstorms that can drift onto highways and, of course, low temperatures that can wreak havoc on the performance of your car and tires. While winter driving is impossible to avoid in many parts of the country and, indeed, the world, you can prepare your car for the worst to drive safely on icy roads. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your vehicle ready for winter driving and to help prevent winter driving breakdowns. Prepare a winter safety kit Insure your car If you’re prone to forgetting your car keys on chilly,’run to the car’ winter mornings, consider having a spare set of keys in your household. Check for tire tread wearing Check tire pressures This is the top priority when orienting your vehicle for winter. Cold weather makes rubber tyres more stiff and negatively influences their elasticity, reducing grip
-
Check and Switch to Winter Tires
Tires are the only things connecting your car to the road, and so they’re especially important when it comes to driving safely in the winter time.
-
Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
Why Winter Tires? 1. Because cars drive on winter tires in winter in Europe. 2. Because road surfaces are bad in cold weather. 3. Because car parts age prematurely in cold weather. 4. Because all-season tires are not designed for cold weather. 5. Because winter tires are good in cold and with heavy snow. 6. Because winter tires are made of a soft rubber that does not harden in winter. 7. Because winter tires can be used in Europe. 8. Because winter tires are used when snow and ice are on roads.
The tread patterns are designed to kick away snow, slush and water from beneath the tire, helping to eliminate hydroplaning and improve traction on slick surfaces.
Wise move: area that gets serious wintry weather, get your winter tyres on before the first snowfall blankets your roads. Then check them for proper pressure because cold air can depressurise tyres.
-
Test Your Battery
-
Battery Performance in Winter
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): At cold temperatures, the rate at which a battery produces power, or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), determines how easily it will get the engine to start. The colder it is, the less power the battery will produce, and the harder it will be to start the car.
Battery age: More than three years old, and your battery might not be able to handle winter, especially if it’s not in full health.
Tip: Have a mechanic check your battery for charge, and see that it can tolerate the cold, especially if it’s old or has been weak in the past; you could end up being stranded in the cold and rain!
-
Check and Refill Fluids
Proper fluid levels are crucial for keeping your car running smoothly in winter.
-
Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
Prevent from Free, antifreeze helps keep your engine from freezing by keeping it running smoothly. To prevent freezing, always be sure your coolant mixture has the right ratio of antifreeze to water (typically it’s half-and-half).
Look for Leaks:Make sure your cooling system has no leaks or cracked hoses that could cause you to lose coolant and overheat your engine.
-
Windshield Washer Fluid
Winter Formula: During the colder months, use an antifreeze-filled windshield washer fluid in place of your regular, summer-grade product, to avoid having it freeze on your windscreen or inside the reservoir.
Full reservoir: Make sure you have a full tank of engine-coolant in your windshield washer fluid reservoir, as you’ll be using it more regularly to clear snow and ice from your windshield.
-
Engine Oil
Winter-Grade Oil: You might want your oil to be a lower viscosity (flow better in cold temperatures) but check with your manual to see if your particular make and model is covered in the recommendations.
Tip: Check all fluids regularly throughout winter to ensure they are topped off and ready to deal with the cold.
-
Inspect Your Wipers and Defrosters
Without visibility while driving in winter, there might not be any surviving. So your wipers and defrosters are very necessary.
-
Windshield Wipers
Winter Wiper Blades: Install winter wiper blades that protect from snow and ice clogging the blades. It’s a rubber piece that covers the blade.
Change old blades if wipers streak or don’t clear the windshield.
-
Defrosters and Heaters
Functionality Check – Defrosters: Make sure your front and rear defrosters allow you to see out of and over your windshield and the rear window, and that your heater will keep you warm enough to stay toasty and prevent frost from forming in the interior of your vehicle.
Tip: Before the first cold snap, make sure your wipers, defroster and heater are prepared for winter conditions.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit
In winter, a kit can save your life if your car breaks down or you can’t make it home from work.
-
Essential Items
Warm Clothing and Blankets: Pack extra warm hats, gloves, blankets and warm clothing to stay warm if you’re stuck in a car for some time.
Nonperishable food and water: Pack nonperishable snacks and bottled water if you’re going to be stranded for some time.
Small First Aid Kit: a standard first aid kit with bandages, antibiotics and antiseptics can come in handy in most cases of minor trauma.
-
Tools and Supplies
Snow Shovel and Ice Scraper: a small snow shovel and ice scraper will help you to clear snow and ice from around your car and around the tires so you can get your vehicle out of a jam.
Jumper Cables: If your battery dies in cold weather, use jumper cables to have another car help start your car.
Flashlight or Batteries: A flashlight with extra batteries is useful in signalling for help or in making repair when the need arises.
Sand, Kitty Litter or Traction Mats: if you get stuck in the ice or in several feet of snow, you can add traction using these items.
Side note: Keep the car, preferably in an unoccupied area such as the trunk, in case you need it. Every so often, check that the items are functioning properly.
-
Check Your Brakes and Suspension
Winter roads can be slippery, thus it’s important that all the brake and suspension systems are working properly.
-
Brake Inspection
Brake Pads and Rotors: Check your brake pads and rotors to make sure your pads won’t need to be replaced too soon and that your rotors aren’t pitted. Brakes with minimal wear are less likely to fade under heavy use in icy or slushy conditions.
Brake Fluid: Consider checking, and adding, brake fluid. If the fluid looks dirty, consider replacement.
-
Suspension and Steering
Shock Absorbers and Struts: To do its job well during cold weather, when roads are slippery or rutted with snow and ice, your suspension system needs to keep all four of your tires in constant contact with the road surface. This is a big task on fresh powder, so check out the condition of your shocks and struts – they’re vital to keeping all four wheels on the road at all times.
Power steering: Make sure you keep your power steering fluid topped up and your rack and pinion (steering system) tight – no “play” and no leaks.
Hint: If you drive with faulty suspension or brakes, have them checked by a mechanic prior to winter driving.
-
Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
Having a full fuel tank when driving in the winter is not about having enough gas to make it to your destination.
-
Preventing Fuel Line Freeze
Freezing in Fuel Line: This frosty tale is connected to moisture remained in a low fuel tank. When temperatures plummet into the negative levels, whatever & tldr;
Extra Ballast: A full gas tank is extra ballast in the car that can give a vehicle more traction on slippery roads.
And tip: if you’re not used to heating in winter, make it a habit to refill the tank when the knob is at half, rather than postponing it when it is almost dry.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prepared for Winter Driving
Whether you face snowstorms, sleet and ice, or simply frigid conditions and rock-salt-coated roads, you’ll appreciate the following steps for properly preparing your car for winter driving. It’s very worthwhile to spend a few hours preparing during a fall weekend or even before a large winter storm to get yourself and your car ready to safely arrive at your destination. Tires, battery and fluids Check them all to make sure you won’t be caught off guard by the frigid weather. Stow that emergency kit, and check your brakes and wipers. These eight steps will button up your car, protecting you from the vagaries of winter driving and the unavoidable breakdowns that come with driving in the cold.
Driving in cold-weather months poses some special challenges – ice at the road’s edge, snowstorms that can drift onto highways and, of course, low temperatures that can wreak havoc on the performance of your car and tyres. While winter driving is impossible to avoid in many parts of the country and, indeed, the world, you can prepare your car for the worst to drive safely on icy roads. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your vehicle ready for winter driving and to help prevent winter driving breakdowns. Prepare a winter safety kit Insure your car If you’re prone to forgetting your car keys on chilly,’run to the car’ winter mornings, consider having a spare set of keys in your household. Check for tire tread wearing Check tire pressures This is the top priority when orienting your vehicle for winter. Cold weather makes rubber tyres stiffer and negatively influences their elasticity, reducing grip
-
Check and Switch to Winter Tires
Tires are the only things connecting your car to the road, and so they’re especially important when it comes to driving safely in the winter time.
-
Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
Why Winter Tires? 1. Because cars drive on winter tires in winter in Europe. 2. Because road surfaces are bad in cold weather. 3. Because car parts age prematurely in cold weather. 4. Because all-season tires are not designed for cold weather. 5. Because winter tires are good in cold and with heavy snow. 6. Because winter tires are made of a soft rubber that does not harden in winter. 7. Because winter tires can be used in Europe. 8. Because winter tires are used when snow and ice are on roads.
The tread patterns are designed to kick away snow, slush and water from beneath the tire, helping to eliminate hydroplaning and improve traction on slick surfaces.
Wise move: area that gets serious wintry weather, get your winter tyres on before the first snowfall blankets your roads. Then check them for proper pressure because cold air can depressurise tyres.
-
Test Your Battery
When the weather turns cold, your car’s battery will have less energy storage capacity and less ability to provide the power you need to start your car.
-
Battery Performance in Winter
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): At cold temperatures, the rate at which a battery produces power, or Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), determines how easily it will get the engine to start. The colder it is, the less power the battery will produce, and the harder it will be to start the car.
Battery age: More than three years old, and your battery might not be able to handle winter, especially if it’s not in full health.
Tip: Have a mechanic check your battery for charge, and see that it can tolerate the cold, especially if it’s old or has been weak in the past; you could end up being stranded in the cold and rain!
-
Check and Refill Fluids
Proper fluid levels are crucial for keeping your car running smoothly in winter.
-
Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
Prevent from Free, antifreeze helps keep your engine from freezing by keeping it running smoothly. To prevent freezing, always be sure your coolant mixture has the right ratio of antifreeze to water (typically it’s half-and-half).
Look for Leaks:Make sure your cooling system has no leaks or cracked hoses that could cause you to lose coolant and overheat your engine.
-
Windshield Washer Fluid
Winter Formula: During the colder months, use an antifreeze-filled windshield washer fluid in place of your regular, summer-grade product, to avoid having it freeze on your windscreen or inside the reservoir.
Full reservoir: Make sure you have a full tank of engine-coolant in your windshield washer fluid reservoir, as you’ll be using it more regularly to clear snow and ice from your windshield.
-
Engine Oil
Winter-Grade Oil: You might want your oil to be a lower viscosity (flow better in cold temperatures) but check with your manual to see if your particular make and model is covered in the recommendations.
Tip: Check all fluids regularly throughout winter to ensure they are topped off and ready to deal with the cold.
-
Inspect Your Wipers and Defrosters
Without visibility, while driving in winter, there might not be any surviving. So your wipers and defrosters are very necessary.
-
Windshield Wipers
Winter Wiper Blades: Install winter wiper blades that protect from snow and ice clogging the blades. It’s a rubber piece that covers the blade.
Change old blades if wipers streak or don’t clear the windshield.
-
Defrosters and Heaters
Functionality Check – Defrosters: Make sure your front and rear defrosters allow you to see out of and over your windshield and the rear window, and that your heater will keep you warm enough to stay toasty and prevent frost from forming in the interior of your vehicle.
Tip: Before the first cold snap, make sure your wipers, defroster and heater are prepared for winter conditions.
-
Prepare an Emergency Kit
In winter, a kit can save your life if your car breaks down or you can’t make it home from work.
-
Essential Items
Warm Clothing and Blankets: Pack extra warm hats, gloves, blankets and warm clothing to stay warm if you’re stuck in a car for some time.
Nonperishable food and water: Pack nonperishable snacks and bottled water if you’re going to be stranded for some time.
Small First Aid Kit: a standard first aid kit with bandages, antibiotics and antiseptics can come in handy in most cases of minor trauma.
-
Tools and Supplies
Snow Shovel and Ice Scraper: a small snow shovel and ice scraper will help you to clear snow and ice from around your car and around the tires so you can get your vehicle out of a jam.
Jumper Cables: If your battery dies in cold weather, use jumper cables to have another car help start your car.
Flashlight or Batteries: A flashlight with extra batteries is useful in signalling for help or in making repair when the need arises.
Sand, Kitty Litter or Traction Mats: if you get stuck in the ice or in several feet of snow, you can add traction using these items.
Side note: Keep the car, preferably in an unoccupied area such as the trunk, in case you need it. Every so often, check that the items are functioning properly.
-
Check Your Brakes and Suspension
Winter roads can be slippery, thus it’s important that all the brake and suspension systems are working properly.
-
Brake Inspection
Brake Pads and Rotors: Check your brake pads and rotors to make sure your pads won’t need to be replaced too soon and that your rotors aren’t pitted. Brakes with minimal wear are less likely to fade under heavy use in icy or slushy conditions.
Brake Fluid: Consider checking, and adding, brake fluid. If the fluid looks dirty, consider replacement.
-
Suspension and Steering
Shock Absorbers and Struts: To do its job well during cold weather, when roads are slippery or rutted with snow and ice, your suspension system needs to keep all four of your tires in constant contact with the road surface. This is a big task on fresh powder, so check out the condition of your shocks and struts – they’re vital to keeping all four wheels on the road at all times.
Power steering: Make sure you keep your power steering fluid topped up and your rack and pinion (steering system) tight – no “play” and no leaks.
Hint: If you drive with faulty suspension or brakes, have them checked by a mechanic prior to winter driving.
-
Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
Having a full fuel tank when driving in the winter is not about having enough gas to make it to your destination.
-
Preventing Fuel Line Freeze
Freezing in Fuel Line: This frosty tale is connected to moisture remained in a low fuel tank. When temperatures plummet into the negative levels, whatever & tldr;
Extra Ballast: A full gas tank is extra ballast in the car that can give a vehicle more traction on slippery roads.
And tip: if you’re not used to heating in winter, make it a habit to refill the tank when the knob is at half, rather than postponing it when it is almost dry.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prepared for Winter Driving
Whether you face snowstorms, sleet and ice, or simply frigid conditions and rock-salt-coated roads, you’ll appreciate the following steps for properly preparing your car for winter driving. It’s very worthwhile to spend a few hours preparing during a fall weekend or even before a large winter storm to get yourself and your car ready to safely arrive at your destination. Tires, battery and fluids Check them all to make sure you won’t be caught off guard by the frigid weather. Stow that emergency kit, and check your brakes and wipers. These eight steps will button up your car, protecting you from the vagaries of winter driving and the unavoidable breakdowns that come with driving in the cold.