Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winter is quickly approaching. Now is a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready. This will ensure you travel safely during this time of year.

• Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition or it may be time to replace them.
• Keep your window washer fluid tank full. It’s not a bad idea either to keep an extra one in your vehicle. Running out can reduce your visibility.
• Maintain proper tire pressure. If you see the tire pressure warning light illuminated, you’ll need to inflate your tires. Your vehicle’s PSI can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s door jam.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. Moisture may form inside your tank, which can lead to rust build-up if your tank is empty or near-empty. Eventually, the rust could corrode the inside of your tank, or bits of rust could enter your fuel system and cause problems with fuel efficiency and clogs.
• Test your vehicle battery. Cold weather can have a negative affect on your vehicle’s battery.
• Ensure you have enough coolant or antifreeze. This liquid absorbs engine heat and dissipates that energy through the radiator. It cools the engine in the winter and summer. This prevents overheating and extensive, expensive damage to the engine. The coolants also will resist freezing. If there is not enough coolant, this may cause serious engine damage.
• Check belts and hoses. Wires and belts need to be checked for cracks and wear; hoses for leaks, and cables for lubrication. Cold temperatures weaken these items — hoses can become brittle and fail.
• Monitor brakes. With snow, ice, water, and slush on the highway, the car’s brakes need to be in top operating condition.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to make sure your vehicle is in proper working order during the winter months.