Getting Cars Ready For The Colder Months

Cold weather is rapidly approaching and that means it’s time to prepare for poor driving conditions. Your car has different needs once the frigid months arrive, so now is the best time to get it ready. Car owners who take extra steps to prepare for the cold are rewarded with a more reliable vehicle (and one with a higher resale value). Prepping your car for cold weather also helps enhance your record keeping, so when your vehicle pops up on a CarVertical VIN Report, you’ll have a spotless history. Here’s a few tips to keep your car running smoothly in the cold.

1. Consult your manual

Before doing any prep work, make sure you flip through your vehicle manual and see what the manufacturer recommends. Be sure to note the suggested frequency of oil changes (the 3,000 mile rule is a myth!) and recommended tire pressure. It’s also not a bad idea to brush up on how the different heating and cooling systems work as well.

2. Check and (if necessary) replace wiper blades

You can’t drive if you can’t see! Winter precipitation like snow, sleet, and freezing rain can blot out your windshield and make it very difficult to see the road. You can scrape this stuff off before you get in the car, but what if it’s sleeting during your drive? Worn-down wiper blades won’t properly remove precipitation from your windshield, so make sure you test them and purchase new ones if needed. Most auto stores will install new wiper blades for free with purchase.

3. Refill all fluids

While your checking the wiper blades, don’t forget about the washer fluid! Or any fluids for that matter. Your car is working overtime in the cold months, so you want to make sure your have sufficient wiper fluid, coolant, and oil. You don’t want to find out you’re low on fluids when you’re stopped in the middle of the road.

4. Test battery, check for corrosion

Batteries don’t work as well in the cold and older ones quickly die out once temperatures start dropping. You don’t want to leave the office at night and start your car only to find your battery dead! Testing the strength of your battery will require a trip to a professional, but a new battery should still be inspected for corrosion. Just make sure you’re wearing gloves when you remove any corroded substances.

5. Check tire tread and pressure

Your tires will lose air consistently when its cold out, so always make sure you have a tire pressure gauge handy and check at least once a week. You can find the correct pressure amount listed on the door jam or in the owner’s manual. And don’t forget to check the treads as well! Worn-down tires and slippery roads are one bad combination.

6. Make sure defrost and heat are in working order

Before it starts getting cold, make sure your heat and defrost work properly. Cold temperatures and moisture cause windshields to become foggy very easily, so if you can’t get any heat out of your vents, you might not be able to see the road. If you aren’t getting hot air, check with a mechanic to see if your system needs to be flushed.

7. Carry an emergency kit with you

Even if you’ve been meticulous in your preparation, accidents and surprises can still happen. However, tackling the unexpected is easy if you keep an emergency kit. A good emergency kit has ice scrapers, first aid supplies, flashlights, and blankets in case you get stuck somewhere. Also, pack some sand (or even kitty litter) in the trunk - it will help you get your car free if you become stuck in snow or ice.