If left unchecked, this build-up can lead to rust and corrosion, so a thorough cleaning is important to avoid damage. Gritted roads during icy periods mean that there could be a big build-up of salt and other particulate matter on your car’s body, as well as on the underside and in the wheel arches. Wash and clean the interior and exterior of your vehicleĪ good place to start is to wash and wax the entire car to get rid of all the muck and dirt of winter. With the manual in hand, work through this checklist, and you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time. Your first step to getting your car spring-ready is to find your owner’s manual since it holds a lot of key requirements and recommendations for your car’s upkeep. So when spring comes around, you must ensure that your car is still in good condition, especially if the warmer weather means you’ll travel more often or further distances. Big drops in temperature mean your tires will lose air, because tire pressure declines with the thermometer.įinally, keep a roadside emergency kit in the car.The winter can take its toll on your car thanks to the effects cold and wet conditions have on various systems. But the extra safety they provide is generally worth the compromise.Įven if your tires are in good shape, make sure that you keep them properly inflated. Winter tires typically have shorter tread life and generate more road noise than the all-season tires that your vehicle came with. These have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice for optimum traction on slick roads. If you live where snow and ice are ever-present, consider buying dedicated winter tires mounted on inexpensive steel wheels. (Check our tire buying guide and Ratings.) Remember that it's safest to replace all four tires at one time. Look for a highly rated set that has performed well in our snow-traction and ice-braking tests. If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires should do the job. (Find out how winter/snow tires compare to all-season tires.) So if you've been waiting to pick up a new set of tires, don't delay as your safety depends on tire traction and winter-grade tires tend to be in short supply when the snow begins to fall. Spinning out in the snow and ending up in a ditch isn't the best way to discover your tires are worn out. Under no circumstances should you use a higher antifreeze-to-water ratio than this.Ĭheck out these 5 things to know about oil changes for your car. Colder conditions, however, can call for a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio. This will keep your coolant from freezing until temperatures are well below zero. Try to keep your coolant mixture in a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and water. Scrap them if they feel brittle or overly soft. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. While the car is in the shop, have the radiator and heater hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. Whenever you have the oil changed, replace the oil filter as well to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow. Typical formulas that are recommended for modern engines include 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, which provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can often be used year-round. Generally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a "W" in the viscosity index, signifying that it's formulated for winter use. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation. Motor oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. To help prevent your windshield from fogging up, run the air-conditioning system (with the temperature set at a comfortable level) to dehumidify the air.įinally, check that all the vehicle's lights are working properly and that the lenses are clean, so that you'll have optimum visibility at night and motorists front and rear will be able to see you.Ĭold weather can beat up your engine, too. With dirt, mud, and salt residue being kicked up off the road, it's likely that you'll be using your windshield washers a lot, so keep your windshield-washer reservoir filled with a winter-blend washer solution that contains an antifreeze agent.Īlso make sure the heater is functioning properly and that plenty of warm air is being directed to the windshield when it's in the defrost mode. If you park outside, place the wipers in the raised position when it's going to snow overnight to keep them from freezing to the windshield. Instead, use an ice scraper on frosty mornings. Don't try to use the wipers and those brand-new wiper blades to remove ice from the windshield. If you can't see out the windows, you're a danger to yourself and everyone around.
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