Key Steps To Winterize Your Car

How do you best prepare your car, truck, or SUV for winter? Below are 7 key steps to take before the weather gets any worse. We also added a few suggestions for you to consider.

1) Most importantly, ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires will close up the tread and decrease traction. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and check frequently.

2) Have your battery checked. Batteries generally last 3 to 5 years. It takes more power to start a cold engine. An old battery fails most often in the winter.

3) Have your antifreeze checked to ensure the proper mix of antifreeze and water. This will ensure your engine is properly cooled all winter.

4) Keep your gas tank full. Never run on fumes. Condensation can accumulate inside the tank and that water will freeze in the fuel lines.

5) Have your belts and hoses checked. Belts and hoses should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Cold weather is tough on belts and hoses and failure of these components can lead to expensive tows and repairs.

6) Be safe and replace your wipers and fill your washer fluid reservoir with a winter washer fluid rated to perform to -320 F. You need the best visibility when driving in bad weather.

7) Check your oil to be sure your engine is protected. Top off your oil if it is low. Change your oil according to your manufacturer’s requirements.

Come to Advanced VTech and our technicians will complete a 33+ point inspection, including these key winter steps, for you while you wait for only $24.95. We will advise you what work should be done and cost to do so.

Other winter safety suggestions:

• Keep a blanket in your car in case you are temporarily stranded.  

• Consider snow or winter tires for better traction.

• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in your car. Consider buying an emergency kit to keep in your trunk.

• Carry salt and a small sturdy shovel in your vehicle to help you get traction if you slide off the road.