With the colder weather approaching in Rochester, Minnesota, road conditions tend to change, so it’s advisable to winterize your vehicle. Winter driving conditions can be dangerous with possible snow and ice on the road. Here are some tips to help you winterize your car. If you have any questions, call Tom Kadlec Kia today at (507) 215-8923.
Get Your Car Serviced
Image via kia.com
Bring your vehicle in for a service before the cold creeps in. The following vehicle parts need regular checking and maintenance to keep your car operating at its best :
Battery
In the cold, battery power decreases, so it takes more power to start your car. This is due to chemical reactions within the battery that cause the electricity to slow down in lower temperatures. Your car’s battery should perform at or above 600 cold cranking amps for the best winter performance. It also needs checking for corroded connections or any other issues.
Cooling System
Coolant, or antifreeze, soaks up the engine heat and evaporates that energy via the radiator. A recommended ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water works best for your vehicle. The antifreeze decreases the temperature at which water can freeze and keeps your engine running in icy conditions. Make sure that you have sufficient coolant in the container, and check that you have the correct type for your engine. by referring to your vehicle manual. If in doubt, we can advise you.
Brakes
A thorough inspection of your brakes ensures best performance for driving in winter. Brakes are always important, but especially with snow, ice, water, and slush on the roads. If your car’s brakes act any differently than normal, such as making grating sounds, a stiff brake pedal, or the vehicle pulling to the side when braking, then they need checking. Book a service with us to check them out for you.
Engine Parts
Belts, hoses, wires, cables, and spark plugs need regular checking. Look for cracking or wearing in wires and belts. Hoses may become brittle and develop leaks and cables may require lubrication.
Oil
Cold weather can thicken engine oil causing difficulty for the parts to turn and start the engine. This puts a strain on the starter and battery. Switching to a thinner oil helps in frigid conditions. Viscosity measures oil and the W in 5W30 stands for winter. The lower the W, the better for colder weather. Generally, a 5W oil is good in colder weather, but it’s best to check your car manual to determine the proper engine oil weight. Stop by our service department for an oil change today.
Change to Winter Tires
It’s best to use winter tires during icy temperatures, as below freezing the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, which lowers the tire’s grip on the road. Winter tires have compounds that prevent hardening in the cold, giving better traction.
It’s important to maintain your tire pressure and tread. Check it more regularly in the cold, as small drops in temperature change the pressure. Your vehicle tire pressure is usually in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the side of the driver’s door.
The tread on your vehicle’s tires gives you traction on the road. When the tread wears down, the performance of the tires deteriorates and results in longer stopping distances in winter road conditions.
Change Your Wipers for Winter Conditions
Winter wipers come equipped with rubber that prevents a build-up of ice, slush, and salt on the blades. You can even purchase wipers with their own heating elements, which pair well with heated windshields. Wipers treated with a hydrophobic agent leave a coating that causes the water to bead up on contact. Wipers need replacing when they become brittle, make squeaky sounds, or when they leave streaks on the windshield.
Top Up the Washer Fluid
The windshield wiper fluid needs topping up regularly, and in snow, rain, and icy conditions, a winter formulated wiper fluid works best. It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of windshield fluid in the trunk so you can refill the reservoir when needed.
Keep a Winter Safety Pack in the Car
Before long trips, pack a safety kit in the car for any unplanned mishaps. The following items make a practical safety kit:
- Cell phone and charger.
- First aid kit.
- Jumper cables.
- Blankets.
- Gloves.
- Drinking water.
- Snacks.
- Tire pressure gauge.
- Tire inflator.
- Tire patch kit.
- Ice scraper and brush.
- Triangle reflector.
- Road flares.
- Flashlight.
Kitty litter or traction pads are also helpful to give your vehicle’s tires extra grip over slippery terrain, especially if you’re going off-road in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full
A full gas tank decreases condensation in winter, which prevents gas line freeze ups. Having gas in your tank is also helpful if you break down as you can run the engine to keep warm until help arrives.
Make Sure Your Rear-Window Defroster Works
Unclear vision in the rear window creates dangerous driving conditions. A number of states have laws ensuring that your vehicle windows are clear from condensation. Make sure that your rear-window defroster is in working condition before the winter months.
Boiling water is not the best way to defrost your windshield and windows as it could crack your windshield. Another solution is to spray vinegar onto your windshield and side glass. Use a mixture of one part water and three parts vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar prevents a build-up of ice and frost, allowing you to use an ice scraper.
Winter Emergency Tips
Do you know what to do if you get stuck in a winter storm while driving? The first tip is to always stay with your car. Only leave the vehicle running long enough to warm you up and then stop the motor to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never leave the vehicle running for extended periods of time. Leave your interior lights on so that rescuers can find you more easily.
Winterizing your car keeps you prepared for extreme winter conditions. Vehicle maintenance is the best preparation. If you’re in the Rochester, Minnesota, area and need help in this regard, come to Tom Kadlec Kia and let our experts handle everything for you.
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