The correct way to take on the tough winter weather while driving on the road. When the jingle bells start jingling, so do the winter weather worries for many drivers. Potholes, rusted vehicles, frosted windshields and drained auto batteries may all cause anxiety when driving in cold weather.
Sallas Car Repair in Kansas City employs one or two ASE Master Certified specialists, and has been in business for 30 years. Owner Nick Sallas offers 10 simple recommendations to prepare a conveyance for winter weather. “Over the years I have had many customers come in with issues that would have been simply avoided if they would have readied their vehicles for winter.
Most of the steps to winterize a vehicle are easy, and take little time,” related Nick Sallas, owner of sallasauto Ten Steps for Preparing a Transport for Winter 1 : Guage the Car Tires. Sallas explains that old tires (over 7 years) run the danger of drying out and cracking in cold temperatures. Tires need adequate tread to avoid hydro planning and sliding on snow and ice. Tire pressure must also be checked since chilly weather conditions can let down tires.
2 : Get the Antifreeze Mix Right. Automobiles need a mixture of 50-50 (antifreeze and water) in order to protect the motor from freezing and cracking. This must be 35 degrees below nil. 3 : Clean the Car Battery. Clean battery posts with cooking soda, water and a little wire brush for proper upkeep and to increase battery lifespan. 4 : Replace Wipers & Wiper Fluid. The life expectancy of wipers is only 1 year.
Add wiper fluid in winter that contains a de-icer to stop freezing on the window. 5 : Check Belts & Hoses. Chilly weather can make a hose, or belt, fail. These parts need to be checked during vehicle servicing. 6 : Test the Heater & Defrost. These systems keep windshields clear when driving in precipitation. Check them for adequate air pressure.
7 : Keep your Gas Tank Full. A full gas tank prohibits gas lines from freezing when the temperature drops. 8 : Carry an Emergency Kit for Winter. Emergency kits for winter need to incorporate : an ice scraper and brush ; flashlight ; flares ; an emergency medical kit ; blanket ; gloves ; boots ; hats ; warm clothes ; nibbles and water ; jumper wires ; paper towels and extra wiper liquid.
9 : Understand What needs To be done If Stuck. A vehicle that's marooned, but still runs, can stand up to the heater on for ten minutes each hour. A marooned automobile needs a cracked window so that the car isn’t sealed shut.
10 : Wax the Vehicle. Waxing a vehicle twice every year will protect it from sun and salt. This is done in the home, or by an auto repair shop’s detail specialist. This prevents rust and paint chipping.