Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard: Your Complete Vehicle Preparation Checklist
Winter weather can be unforgiving to your vehicle, and the last thing you want is to find yourself stranded on a snowy road with a car that won’t start. In 2022, there were 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 153,620 police reported traffic crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions, making proper winter preparation not just a convenience but a safety necessity.
Battery and Electrical System: Your Winter Lifeline
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. In winter weather, your vehicle may need more power to start than it would in warmer temperatures. And unfortunately, cold temperatures can affect your car battery’s overall performance. Have your battery inspected to be sure it has enough power not only to start your vehicle, but also to power winter car necessities like defrosters and heat.
Have a professional perform a battery load test to ensure your battery can handle the increased demands of winter driving. Check for cracked or corroded battery cables and terminals, as these issues become more problematic in cold weather.
Tire Safety: Your Connection to the Road
As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame. Rapidly dropping temperatures can deplete your tire pressure in record time. Check your pressure regularly, and top off your tires with air to keep them performing at their best.
It’s no secret that ice, snow, and slush can change the way your tires grip the road. Whether you need snow tires, winter tires, or just a thorough check of your all-season tires, it’s a good idea to take care of changing or inspecting them long before wintry conditions hit. Use the penny test to check tread depth and ensure adequate grip on slippery surfaces.
Fluids and Filters: The Lifeblood of Your Vehicle
Oil becomes an issue during winter as the cold weather can thicken it, reducing its ability to circulate effectively through the engine. Fresh oil will help prevent this from happening, and other approaches like swapping to a synthetic or synthetic blend during the winter can be done, but only if right for your car.
Make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with de-icer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. We’ve all been there: you pull the lever to dispense windshield wiper fluid, only to find that it’s frozen. This certainly doesn’t help you clean your windshield, and it can also cause damage to your wiper fluid reservoir if it happens repeatedly. To prevent frozen wiper fluid, switch to a winter formula.
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
Belts, Hoses, and Mechanical Components
Colder temperatures can weaken the belts and hoses in your engine. You can keep your engine running by checking ahead for any cracking, fraying, leaking, loose clamps, or signs of wear and tear. Squeeze all of the hoses and if any feel brittle or excessively spongy, replace them right away.
Car brakes are crucial for safety, especially on roads that are already icy and slippery. Some signs that may indicate you need to replace your brake pads are grinding metal/screeching noises, the brake pad warning light coming on, the brake pedal vibrating while applying brakes, or needing to apply extra force while braking. It’s very important not to ignore signs that your brake pads may need to be replaced because it can lead to worse damage to your vehicle.
Professional Winter Inspection
While many winter preparation tasks can be done yourself, having a professional inspection is invaluable. For residents of Athens, Georgia, and the surrounding Clarke County area, Auto Repair Athens services from Pro Transmissions provide comprehensive winter vehicle preparation with over 30 years of combined expertise.
Pro Transmissions & Automotive of Athens understands the unique challenges that winter weather presents to vehicles. At Pro Transmissions & Automotive of Clarke County, our focus is on delivering exceptional service with a personal touch. From transmission rebuilds to routine maintenance, we are dedicated to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. Their team values honesty, integrity, and exceptional service, making them a trusted choice for winter vehicle preparation.
Emergency Kit Essentials
If you have a winter roadside emergency, be sure you and your passengers can stay safe until help arrives. Pack a winter car emergency kit with plenty of blankets, hand warmers, and charging packs for electronic devices so you can call for assistance.
Your winter emergency kit should include: jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, blankets, non-perishable snacks, water, ice scraper, snow shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, and a fully charged cell phone with car charger.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Winter is upon us and as the weather continues to get colder and the roads begin to become a bit more treacherous, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is prepared. Cold weather can be harsh on vehicles and combined with holiday travel and worsening road conditions, it makes winter vehicle maintenance absolutely essential for your safety.
Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations later. Whether you handle basic maintenance yourself or rely on professional services, don’t let winter weather catch you unprepared. Your safety and peace of mind are worth the investment in proper winter vehicle preparation.