 | Anthony Splitter has been in the automotive repair industry for 24 years, and has been the Owner/Manager of Downing Motor Service for 8 years. For more information or to contact Anthony please call 620-231-4792. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2010-11-01 13:31:00
Winterizing your vehicle
Question: My family and I just moved to Kansas from Arizona where we lived our entire lives. We are trying to gear up for our fist winter here. Obviously, in Arizona we never needed to winterize our vehicles and I have no idea what is needed. I figured I would go to the one who knows and ask the locals!
Answer: You are asking just in time! October is the perfect month to prepare your vehicle for the cold temperatures ahead. One thing you will find around here is that life does not stop for cold weather or snow, so your vehicle needs to be ready to go. Winterizing your car or truck may seem like a hassle, but it can also save you costly repairs.
First, check the antifreeze mixture of the car. A 50-50 ration of water and antifreeze will keep it from freezing until -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, change the oil to a 10W30-weight motor oil, which works for everything short of arctic conditions.
Replace wiper blades. The life expectancy for wiper blades is one year, and fresh wiper blades are key to visibility. Make sure the wiper fluid reservoir is filled.
Check your battery. Cold weather can reduce your battery power by 50 percent. Make sure the connections are free from debris or corrosion. If the battery is 3 years or older, it is a good idea to have them checked by an automotive technician to see where you stand.
Check your tire condition. More tread equals more traction. Worn or high performance tires can negatively impact driving, accelerating and braking on wet slippery roads. Consider investing in winter tires which are made for the conditions.
Check your tire pressure regularly. The air pressure in tires drop slightly with the cold. Maintaining a proper air pressure is essential in maintaining proper traction in cold, wet or snowy conditions.
