{"id":578,"date":"2019-01-24T15:22:58","date_gmt":"2019-01-24T23:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/?p=578"},"modified":"2021-09-16T06:35:04","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T13:35:04","slug":"9-ways-to-get-your-car-ready-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/9-ways-to-get-your-car-ready-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Car Ready for Winter With These 9 Tips!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve never lived in a cold climate before, or you\u2019ve just never faced a rough winter as a driver, then you may not realize that your car needs a little extra TLC when the snow and ice hits. As soon as the temperature drops, your car could be needing everything from a tune up to new tires \u2013 or maybe not. If you\u2019re not sure what your car needs for the winter, then read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Right Oil Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of us keep our car\u2019s oil changed on some sort of schedule, but did you know that the type of oil change you get can differ depending on the climate? In the winter, oil tends to thicken up due to the colder weather. This can make it harder for your car to efficiently use the oil, which could lead to big problems for your engine. In the winter, it\u2019s important to use the right kind of oil to ensure that it can withstand the changes in temperature. Ask your mechanic or check your owner\u2019s manual to determine what type of oil is best for your car in the cold. Additionally, don\u2019t procrastinate on your oil change if it\u2019s time and the weather is cooling off. Old or low oil can be a big problem when you\u2019re also battling thickening oil due to winter temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One thing that the winter often brings is precipitation, so you\u2019ll want to make sure you can see in all types of weather. Snow can make it especially hard to see. Be sure that you check your windshield wiper blades and replace them if they are worn or broken. Fill your windshield wiper fluid as well, because it can help quickly defrost a window in the colder temperatures. Check your defroster and heater also \u2013 these are essential for keeping your windshield clear of ice and they prevent fogging up when the temperature is drastically cooler outside than in your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Check Tire Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t live in an area where you use snow tires or chains<\/a>, you still need to check your tire pressure. In order to properly grip the road in all conditions, your tires must be properly inflated. Air pressure often escapes due to the cooler weather outside, so be sure to check your tire pressure frequently during the winter. Expect your tires to be constantly low the colder it gets, and give yourself extra time to get to a gas station where you can top off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do live in an area where the snow and ice get really bad, you should consider snow tires. If it is very hilly where you live, snow tires are an essential safety tool. They help to improve your traction so that you experience less slipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Check Your Battery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This time of year, it\u2019s more common for batteries to have issues \u2013 and if you\u2019re stranded in a snowstorm, it may be hard for help to get to you. Before you leave for a longer trip, or any time you\u2019ll be driving in a snow or ice storm, be sure to give your battery a quick inspection. Check for corrosion and make sure your battery doesn\u2019t need water. You may also want to schedule a checkup with a mechanic to be sure that older batteries still have the ability to hold a charge. Carry a portable battery charger if you think you may be far away from help for any length of time in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Check Your Antifreeze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your antifreeze mixture should be roughly 1:1 antifreeze to water in your radiator.  This mixture stops the water in your radiator from freezing, which means your battery will be in better shape. Antifreeze tester can be used to make sure the mixture is the right ratio. If it\u2019s not, be sure to completely drain the liquid and start over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Stock Your Emergency Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any time that you will be driving in a snow storm or for a long period in cold weather, you should have an emergency kit on hand<\/a>. This kit should include items to keep you warm, such as blankets, extra gloves and hats, extra boots, and anything else you can carry that can keep you warmer. It should also include things to help get you out of a tight spot, such as a shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a toolkit, tire changing equipment, and jumper cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, keep your safety in mind when you\u2019re out there changing tires or digging your car out of snow. Bring flares, a first aid kit, and some de-icing material like kitty litter or road salt to help your car get some traction. Keep extra windshield wiper fluid on hand if the weather is wet, and be sure that you keep the gas tank as full as you can during the winter. The gas lines can freeze without liquid in them. Additionally, consider keeping an extra phone battery or portable charger in your emergency kit so you can contact help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Check All Belts and Hoses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the cold weather hits, it\u2019s a good idea to have the belts and hoses in your car checked for cracks or weakness. As the weather changes, expansion and contraction in materials can cause cracks to get worse. This can lead to leaks in the worst possible moments. Even if you are driving a modern car, belts and hoses take a lot of wear and tear. Have them checked and replaced if necessary before the weather gets bad to avoid breakdowns in bad weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Check the 4WD Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your car has four-wheel drive, be sure to have this system checked for function. Most drivers don\u2019t even turn this system on in the warmer months, so you may not even realize that there is a problem until the winter. And the worst time to realize that there\u2019s an issue is when you need it the most. Test the four-wheel drive system to be sure that it engages properly, disengages right away, and drives correctly before the bad weather hits. Additionally, make sure that anyone who will be driving your car knows how to use the system, and when to engage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Flush the Heater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you\u2019ll want to make sure that you stay warm when you\u2019re driving in the winter. Your heater doesn\u2019t get used during the summer, so the system may need a tune up before the bad weather hits. Flushing a heater, meaning cleaning out the core tubes, makes your heater more efficient so that it keeps you warmer, faster. If you\u2019re tired of waiting around for a cold car to heat up in those early mornings, this is the best gift you can give yourself before the cold weather hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Your Car Running Smoothly All Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These nine steps can ensure that your car has the best chance of making it through the winter without any problems at all. The best time to do these things is before the coldest temperatures start to set in. This will help make sure that you don\u2019t have any big problems pop up before you have a chance to address them, which can keep your repair costs down. Plan a good overall checkup on your car in the fall, and be sure you have a plan for when you\u2019ll switch over to your winter tires and cold temperature oil. Don\u2019t let another winter go by without your safety and your family\u2019s safety in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to see how affordable auto insurance can be? Click here<\/a> to use our online quote form to see your savings today.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get a Free Quote<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve never lived in a cold climate before, or you\u2019ve just never faced a rough winter as a driver, then you may not realize that your car needs a little extra TLC when the snow and ice hits. As soon as the temperature drops, your car could be needing everything from a tune up to new tires \u2013 or maybe not. If you\u2019re not sure what your car needs for the winter, then read on. 1. The Right Oil Change Most of us keep our car\u2019s oil changed on some sort of schedule, but did you know that the <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":585,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nGet Your Car Ready for Winter With These 9 Tips!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is your car ready for winter weather? 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