Jack Williams

Winterize Your Car – Part 3 of 3

Check Your Antifreeze
Coolant will protect your car from freezing in the winter and also keep it from overheating in the summer. It also cuts back on corrosion. Usually you want a 50:50 ratio of water to coolant. This keeps fluids from freezing at temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit. You can buy pre-mixed bottles of antifreeze and water. Keep this fluid at its proper level at all times.

Check Your Oil and Oil Viscosity
Oil lubricates the metal surfaces of your engine and stops them from grinding together and causing a lot of damage. The viscosity -- or thickness -- of the oil greatly affects your engine's performance. If the oil is too thick, it will flow too slowly between parts and your engine will get too hot. In the winter time, cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, but you can overcome this problem by using an oil of a lower viscosity. Your owner's manual should tell you the ideal type of oil you should use, and it also might specifically suggest a thinner oil type depending on the season. Generally, you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or once every three months.

Check Your Battery
Winter months are tough on your engine and cause it to work harder, and this puts more pressure on the battery. Unless you have a maintenance-free battery, take a look at your battery and make sure nothing's wrong. Check the battery cables and clamps for fraying or corrosion. If there's a white, powdery substance around the clamps, that's corrosion from battery acid -- you can clean it off easily with baking soda, water and a toothbrush. Make sure it has enough water inside. Most batteries have caps on top, and you can check the level by removing the caps. If it's low, fill the holes with distilled water, being careful not to fill past the bottom of the cap.

Check Your Tire Pressure and Consider Snow Tires
This may be the most important maintenance check you can make.. If you choose to use regular tires on your car, check the air pressure on each tire. Deflated tires decrease traction, increasing the likelihood of sliding on icy patches. Your owner's manual should list the suggested pressure.
Invest in a good quality tire pressure gauge and check your tires often. You might also consider investing in snow tires for yet more protection in the winter.

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