How to Winterize Your Car

Driving in the winter can be quite a different experience than it is during the summer. Dealing with snow and ice on the roads makes things a bit more difficult, which is why having your vehicle prepared for the season is an important step that could help you better deal with hazardous road conditions. There are several things you can do to ensure your vehicle is road ready for the extreme cold temperatures this winter.

Tires

Drops in temperature mean you need to be checking your vehicle’s tire pressure more often. Make sure your tires are filled with the proper amount of air, which you can find in your owner’s manual or in the driver’s side door jamb.

For those who live in a region that features extremely cold temperatures, winter tires should be installed on your vehicle for better traction in cold weather. A good rule of thumb is if you can see your breath, you should switch to your winter tires.

Windshield Wipers

You will need to install winter wipers, which are equipped with rubber to keep ice from collecting on the blades. Don’t forget to remove them once spring comes around. Driving in ice and snow means using a lot of washer fluid to keep your windshield clean, so it’s suggested you fill it at the start of the cold months so you don’t run out when you really need it.

Gas Tank

You never want to run out of gas, but it is especially important to keep your tank at least half full during the winter. If you happen to become stranded in a storm, you will need your engine to run to keep you warm. A full gas tank can also help prevent gas lines from freezing up.

Emergency Kit

It’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit inside your vehicle during the winter just in case you need it. Some good items to keep in your vehicle include:

• Cell Phone
• Ice Scraper
• Flares
• First Aid Kit
• Jumper Cables
• Warm Clothing
• Pack of Matches
• Non-Perishable Food/Beverages

Oil

There are specific types of oil designed for motorists who drive in places where winter conditions are especially severe. If you live in a place where temperatures drop below freezing you may want to consider switching over to winter oil in the fall. This oil is thinner and less viscous to prevent it from sludging up in the cold, but be sure to refer to your owner’s manual before making the switch.

Battery

Battery capacity can become limited due to cold weather and a thorough inspection of your battery should be performed before temperatures drop too low. Check your battery cables for any breaks or cracks and be sure the terminals fit snugly without any loose connections. You should also check your battery fluid level and refill it with distilled water if needed.

Winterizing Your Vehicle in Rocklin

Five Star Auto Care not only provides hand car washing and detailing, but we also offer an expert auto repair shop with all the auto maintenance and repair services you may need, including:

• Lube, Oil and Filter
• Basic Brake Service
• Auto Transmission
• Minor Tune Up
• Engine Diagnostic
• Differential Service
• Smog Inspection
• Cooling System Flush
• Power Steering Flush
• Fuel Injection Cleaning
• And Much More

Stop by our Rocklin, California location today or call 916-315-0555 to schedule an appointment to get your car ready for the winter.