Do It Yourself, Car Winterize
It’s that time of year again!
The Holidays are here, the snow is near, the air is crisp and the long days are fading. Make sure your car health is not fading with them.
Here are some helpful “DIY” (do-it yourself) winterize car tips from your friends at Sam’s Auto, your local auto shop, wishing all you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.
Here is your recommended Checklist
#1 Clean vehicle inside and out
Outer car surfaces are particularly vulnerable to winter's charming qualities such as snow, ice and road salt. Utilize the warmer winter days leading up to the frigid months to thoroughly wash your vehicle and you may just save your vehicle's body.
Be sure to include a car wax that coats the body panels before the heavy snowfall — specifically, before temperatures drop below 25F. This preventative measure will shield paint surfaces from snowy bombardments, and it will also make snow and ice easier to brush off.
On the inside, remove any garbage before vacuuming the seats and floor. After vacuuming, it's also a great idea to swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats. This prevents the outside snow and salt dragged in by your shoes from permanently staining your car with dirt that as built up over the warmer season.
#2 Keep an Emergency Kit Inside Your Car
Another basic DIY step to combat the cold weather is to keep a few essential supplies and tools with you as you drive. You'll obviously want:
A) Spare tire,
B) Tools to change out a flat,
C) Emergency bottle of engine oil,
D) Emergency washer fluid,
E) Ice scraper *NECESSITY*,
F) Blanket,
G) flashlight (w/working batteries)
H) and yes last but not least jumper cables.
#3 Test the battery and electrical systems
Cold weather is the worst for a vehicle's electrical. With a flip of a switch your battery now as to meet the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems.
a) A simple battery test means running your vehicle's headlights before starting the engine. If you notice that the headlights get brighter once you start the engine, more elaborate battery tests might be needed.
b) Another quick one —Run the heating system to ensure its operation before the actual time of need, trust us, you do not want to be trapped in a cold car in the months to come.
c) Next check the window defroster system by testing the defroster strips in the windshield and rear windshield.
d) Another major electricity consumer are your car lights, now that the days are shorter it means they will be running longer. Make sure your headlights, taillights, backup lights, and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check during a dark day or at night.
#4 Make Sure Your 4-Wheel Drive Works
Unless you have been using this all year round chances are your 4WD has not been touched in a while. A functioning system can improve tire traction on snow and ice, decreasing the possibility of getting stuck.
4WD varies depending on the vehicle, so check the owner's manual for the best environment in which to use it and how to engage the system.
***Now a 4WD doesn’t mean you can drive faster or worry less about ice. It only means your car as a bit more support when dealing with difficult terrains.
#5 Check Your Tires!!
We cannot stress enough how important this is! So many customers come in with low tire pressure or warn out tires. When it comes to dealing with reality of the harsh winter weather, your tires are out there mixing with the snow, sleet, and ice. Driving in snow can be very difficult and sometimes dangerous; still, the reality is you need to get to work.
Okay, enough of that, now for some quick safety check tips!
A) Most cars have an average tire pressure of 35 (+/-2) use a tire gage and check what level you are at. Most gas stations and Sam’s Auto offer this for free.
B) Use a Nickel; place it between the grooves in your tires. If the grooves reach the bottom of the Monticello (house on the back) you are in good shape.
C) If your tires seem warn a tire rotation might be needed.
D) If tires need to be replaced and you can only afford to do two at a time… make sure the new tires are placed on the back end to avoid tail spins.
Just keep in mind your car is what carries you, your children and your family. Make sure it is ready for the winter weather.
Winterizing Your Car at Sam’s Auto, What We Check Complementary
#1 Tires
#2 Engine Oil
#3 Belts and Hoses
#4 Windshield Wipers
#5 Antifreeze and All Fluid Levels
#6 Car Battery
#7 Spark plugs and Wires
#8 Wheel Ball and Joints
#9 Brakes, Struts, and Shocks
#10 Valve Cover Gaskets
#11 Muffler and Exhaust System
#12 Air Filter
#13 Cabin Filter
#14 All Lights
#15 Radiator
Sam’s Auto Repair & Body Shop
P. 847-440-4433
F. 847-261-2694