PREPARE FOR WINTER DRIVING NOW TOP FIVE TIPS TO HANDLE THE SEASON’S WORST WEATHER
Top five tips to handle the season’s worst weather
Now is the perfect time to prepare for winter driving. Jiffy Lube of Indiana offers drivers the top five ways to get set for winter weather. From proper tire inflation to windshield wipers to essential engine fluids, vehicle maintenance is vital during the colder months in particular.
Test the battery: Extreme temperatures are harder on batteries, leaving many drivers stranded in cars that won’t start. Have your battery checked by a reputable service center to ensure proper functioning. Although some manufacturers guarantee batteries for five or six years, many batteries will not last that long.
Check tire inflation and tread: When roads are covered in ice and snow, it is important to have tires that are properly inflated and have plenty of tread. This will provide the best possible traction and handling. Also, keep cat litter or a bag of sand in your trunk in case you get stuck in a slippery spot. Throwing a cup or two of litter or sand under your tires may provide the traction you need to get moving again.
Check vehicle fluids, including oil: Vehicles require a variety of fluids, including antifreeze and transmission, brake, windshield washer and power steering fluids, to run properly. Take extra care as cold weather approaches to ensure these fluids are performing at their peak. Otherwise, fluids may break down or need replenishing during severe weather, leaving you stranded in the cold or causing damage to your engine.
A trusted mechanic or preventive auto maintenance expert can help you check these fluids.
The changing of the seasons also is a good time to consider changing your oil. Few consumers realize that some vehicles require different “weights” of oil (a measure of thickness) for different seasons. As temperatures drop, oil begins to flow much more slowly through the engine. Motor oils that are too thick will take longer to reach vital engine parts, causing the engine to run without sufficient lubrication. Long-term, this can cause engine damage. And because the engine must work harder to circulate thicker motor oil, it is less fuel efficient.
Again, consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to determine the proper weight of oil for your vehicle in winter weather.
Ensure good visibility: Visibility is another issue when driving during the winter – not only because of snow, ice and fogged windows, but also because of the de-icing sand and salt all over the roads. To reduce problems, make sure windshield washer fluid is full. In fact, some washer fluids go beyond cleaning and include de-icing components. De-icing fluids can make a big difference in visibility and safe driving.
In addition to de-icing fluids, your windshield wipers are your most important defense in bad winter weather. But many drivers damage their wipers by yanking them free from frozen windshields. Often, this snaps the wipers or pulls them apart. Instead, clear away the snow and ice around the wipers and then wait for the car to defrost before driving. As the windshield warms from inside, the wipers will be released undamaged.
Prepare an emergency kit: Taking a few extra minutes to pack a vehicle with emergency essentials is worth it. When traveling, consider stocking your vehicle with several winter essentials – including blankets, flashlights, old boots, a shovel, food and water.
Finally, ask a trusted mechanic to check your vehicle’s belts, hoses and spark plugs. Ensuring that these vehicle parts are in good working order minimizes the likelihood of being stranded on cold winter roads.
No one wants to be stranded in bad weather. Reduce the likelihood of such a situation by preparing now for winter driving conditions.
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