With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and Christmas on the horizon after that, it is safe to say that the Winter months are fast approaching. And while that means we’re about to enter the season of snow days and hot chocolate, it also means that the harsh winter weather is almost here as well. While the snow may look pretty and the atmosphere can feel joyful, it’s also important to take note of the harsh effects that the cold conditions can have on your vehicle. From weatherproofing to increasing your car’s maneuverability, there are several steps that you can take to ensure that your vehicle is there in the Springtime still running as great as ever before! Check out this list of tips and steps that you can take to help get your car ready to survive a snowy Winter season!
1. Get the right kind of oil change
Oil changes are one of the most important and commonplace pieces of maintenance that vehicle owners have to regularly have performed on their cars. However, are you sure that you’re putting the correct kind of oil into your vehicle? When the weather gets colder, oil tends to thicken, so check out your vehicle’s owner manual to find out the best kind of oil that will get your car through the Wintertime!
2. Consider snow tires
If the area that you live in gets a decent amount of snow, or if you have to deal with obstacles like hills and potholes, it may be worth it to look into investing in a set of snow tires. Using snow tires can help you to avoid some of the issues that your regular tires would not be able to overcome in the Winter conditions.
3. Check on the condition of your battery
For many people, something like your car’s battery can become the sort of thing that is out of sight, out of mind. However, not checking on your battery can lead to some dangerous situations. If your vehicle’s battery is over three years old, it may be worth bringing it in to have it checked for corrosion. Doing so can help you to avoid ending up stranded with a dead battery during a snowstorm.
4. Keep your gas tank full
We’ve all heard about how you should keep your gas tank at least half full in the Wintertime, but have you ever heard why that is necessary? Well, in the Winter condensation can form around your empty gas tank, and if it drips down to your fuel line it could freeze it, making it impossible to get fuel from the tank to your engine which could lead to a ton of issues. Keep your gas tank at least at half capacity to prevent this issue from arising
5. Stock up on emergency supplies
Your cart may need additional emergency supplies in the Winter than it does in the Summer. Keeping things like a window scraper, salt, a shovel, tire chains, and winter clothes in your car can be a huge help if your car were to break down in the cold or the snow.