Parenting Pointers: Car Prep for Winter

While it’s important to drive safely in snowy and icy conditions, it’s even more important to make sure you and your car are properly prepared before you hit the road. Engine Answerman Bobby Cleveland created some cold weather tips to help protect, preserve and improve the performance of your car this winter and keep you safe on the road. Seasonal elements can cause hazardous driving conditions, and to help stay safe and avoid unexpected repairs, follow these seven simple steps to give your car some deserved TLC this winter:

1.     Add Antifreeze in Freezing Temps- It’s important to try to keep as much moisture out of your fuel system as possible to avoid freezing. If the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is possible for fuel line freeze-up to occur. Freezing occurs when water vapor mixes with residual fuel in the line. Adding a fuel treatment like HEET to your fuel tank can help to remove water from the fuel system to prevent gas-line freeze-up and harmful rust and corrosion.

2.     Clean the Coolant System- To help prevent rust and prolong the life of your car’s radiator and pumps, make sure to take care of your coolant system. A regular cleaning will help to prevent deterioration.

3.     Replenish Vital Fluids- Your car needs its fluids checked periodically. Simple precautions like replenishing a vehicle’s vital fluids and topping off your gas with a fuel stabilizer from STA-BIL can keep your car running its best in winter.

4.     Check the Battery- You don’t want to get stuck out in the cold, literally. If your car has been sitting in the cold, make sure the battery starts. Turn off all the lights and anything else that draws electricity before starting the car. And, remember to run the car for a few minutes in extremely cold weather before you head out. If you think you have an issue with your battery, follow proper protocols for testing it. When in doubt, take it to an expert to determine the problem.

5.     Replace Wiper Blades- While it may seem minor, windshield wipers are one of the most important tools to help keep you safe in inclement weather. Dirty and worn down wiper blades can succumb to ice and other abrasive elements, keeping you from clearly seeing the road. It’s a good idea to replace your blades every 6 to 12 months, and with so many advanced options available, they are more effective than ever.

6.     Protect Vulnerable Surfaces- Whether it’s protecting the outside of your car from the harsh salt or the insides from the slush and dirty snow, clean open surfaces to help avoid rusting and deterioration. Products like303^® Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner and 303 Aerospace Protectant will help protect your car from the harsh winter elements, both inside and out.

7.     Check Tire Treads & Air Pressure- Before hitting the road, check your tires both for wear and air. It’s important to make sure the treads on your tires are still in good shape, as they will help keep you on the road and make traveling through the winter elements safer. Balding tires can cause major issues including lost traction and even blow outs. You also want to check the air pressure of your tires. While you want them to be full, you don’t want them to be too full, or they could burst. Be sure to check your car manual to gauge the proper air pressure for your car’s tires.

8.     Keep Essentials Handy- In the case that you get stuck in traffic, your car breaks down or you find yourself stranded for any reason, it’s important to have some key items handy to help keep you warm and safe. Create a ‘cold kit’ to keep in your car during the winter and include items like hand warmers, warm blanket, flashlight, snacks that won’t freeze, sugary drink as the sugars keep the liquid from freezing quickly vs. water, shovel and backup battery for your phone.