For many, winter is just around the corner. For others, the coldest season of the year is well underway. Regardless of when the snow is going to hit, you need to make sure your car is winter ready. Check out these cold car care tips to make sure your vehicle makes it through the holidays and into the next year.
Strap on Your Winter Tires
Did you know that winter tires are designed for more than just snow? While the tread helps your car gain traction in snowy conditions, the thicker walls and more robust designs also help fight the cold. Car accident attorneys at Bowling Law Firm recommend having your winter tires on when temperature begin falling below 45 degrees.
These types of tires also provide enhanced traction when turning and stopping on cold pavement, providing an extra layer of safety. All-season tires work to your advantage as well, especially in areas with minimal snow and higher temperatures. However, nothing beats the winter variety.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Driving on an underinflated tire drastically increases your chance of an auto accident, warns accident attorneys at Easton Law Offices. Underinflation leads to a loss of traction, which means you’re more likely to slip and slide on colder surfaces as well as ice and snow.
It also causes them to wear down, leading to expensive replacements faster than you might think. Since your tires lose a pound of pressure with each ten-degree temperature drop, making those extra cold nights especially dangerous. Check your tire pressure weekly to ensure they are properly inflated.
Always Have Half a Tank of Fuel
Never let your gas gauge fall below half in the wintertime. A low tank can lead to startup issues from frozen lines in severe conditions. Even in mild winters, you never know when you might find yourself stranded.
Having at least half a tank of fuel ensures that you can run the heat while you wait for a tow truck or roadside assistance. If you plan on traveling longer distances to see family over the holidays, make sure to plan your fill-ups in advance.
Protect Your Car with Polymer Wax
Just one coat of polymer wax protects your vehicle’s body against salt, snow, sleet, grime, and other harsh winter conditions. You can pick up a bottle and apply this wax yourself, but the easiest way to apply a coat is to go through a car wash.
As winter continues, it’s also an excellent idea to take your car through a high-pressure wash to remove any buildup in hard-to-reach places. This keeps debris from rubbing against your tires and ensures that rust doesn’t set it.
Raise Your Wipers
Winter is especially hard on windshield wipers. You can save yourself the cost of replacements by leaving yours raised to keep them from freezing to the windshield. It’s also not a good idea to use your blades to remove ice, snow, or frost from your windshield. Doing so damages them, leaving them useless when you need them the most.