In the next few weeks, take some time to winterize your wheels by completing these seven cold-weather checks. Even though you may be able to do most or all of them yourself, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with an auto mechanic who can also check the belts, hoses, and brakes for wear and tear.
- Inspect the tires. You’ll get the best traction when they’re properly inflated (look on the edge of the driver’s door for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure). Also, check your gripping power by inserting a quarter into several tread grooves. If you see space above Washington’s head, it’s time for replacements. Consider investing in all-weather tires, especially if you live in the hills.
- Install new wiper blades. Great traction underfoot is no good if you can’t see where you’re going. Blades with a year’s worth of swipes on them should be retired – don’t wait for them to tear loose in a rainstorm.
- Check your lights. Not just headlights, backup lights, brake lights, and turn signals, but the lights on the dashboard that glow if something isn’t working. If your car has ABS (an antilock braking system), automatic stability control, four-wheel drive, or any other systems designed to give you better control in bad weather, be sure they’re functioning.
- Inspect your windshield for chips that could turn into cracks. If you find damage, contact your insurance company to have the windshield replaced before another winter of flying gravel turns nicks into breaks.
- Examine your battery. It takes plenty of cranking power to turn over a cold engine. Clean the corrosion off terminals and cables, and check the water level if you can (some batteries are sealed). Have your mechanic check the battery’s ability to hold a charge. If it’s old or weak, a new one is a good investment for safety’s sake.
- Check fluid levels and fill as needed. At low temperatures dirty oil slows your engine’s performance, so make an oil change part of your winter tune-up. Top up the washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid (never plain water, it could freeze). Similarly, fill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Ask your mechanic to check the levels of power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid as well.
- Put together a car safety kit – and know how to use it. That includes your cell phone, so be sure it’s charged up. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that your kit also contain:
- A portable charger and extra batteries for your cell phone
- Emergency tire repair (canned compressed air with sealant)
- A shovel
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- Waterproof matches
- Blankets & Paper towels
- Tire chains (depending where you live)
- Extra hats, coats, gloves
- A tow chain or rope
- Jumper cables
- Water & snack food
- Road maps & a compass
- A first aid kit
- An auto tool kit & Emergency flares
- A bright-colored flag; help signs
You may be thinking, “I’ll never need to use all this stuff!” And you could be right – if you’ve done a good job of getting ready for Winter.
