What do you do to prepare your car for Winter?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kelly Auto Group on December 3, 2009 at 4:03pm

Things You'll Need:
Gloves
Gloves
Gloves
Blankets
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Wiper Blades
Kitty Litters
Small Snow Shovels
Auto Emergency Kits
Flashlights
Ice Scrapers
Tire Gauges
Flashlights
Blankets

Step
1
Don't put off a 30,000-mile full service, if your car is due.

Step
2
Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant.

Step
3
Replace the windshield wiper blades. Put windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir (plain water will freeze).

Step
4
Have the battery serviced (clean the battery terminal ends and add water) and load-tested to check its ability to hold a charge. If the battery is more than 4 1/2 years old, replace it.

Step
5
Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure. Air contracts with cold, and the tires may become low as the temperature drops.

Step
6
Make sure there is air in the spare tire and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.

Step
7
Make sure the tires are in good condition. If you are not sure what this means, ask a mechanic (in a shop that doesn't sell tires) for an opinion.

Step
8
Check the lights, heater and defroster.

Step
9
Keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.

Step
10
Get a brake check if you haven't had one in the last six months.

Step
11
Put together an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow).

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sarah Richard Denton on December 5, 2009 at 11:21am

I make sure I have all weather rubber floor mats! And they have to be OEM...because the aftermarket kind can get stuck in the pedals! I also ALWAYS carry a wool blanket in my car...one of those big green ones from the Army surplus store. Wool retains its insulation qualities even when its wet. A flashlight, paper towels and an ice scraper complete my winter time must have list. Oh yeah, and Roadside Assistance or AAA on the speed dial!

PS...A PA Driver's License works great for an ice scraper in a pinch!!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kelly Auto Group on December 10, 2009 at 5:30pm

Good tip on the PA license :)

• ▶ Reply