Quick Guide to Winterize Any Car

Posted on October 23, 2009 by RLD

As if winter didn’t bring enough worries (inflated heating bills, anyone?) you’ve got the added stress of driving – and potentially being stranded – in frigid temperatures.  To keep yourself from unexpectedly walking in a winter wonderland, here’s an easier-than-you-might-think hit list to winterize your ride.

1.    Oil: A change’ll do you good.
You could probably guess using a high quality motor oil renders the best performance and helps minimize damage to your engine, but this time of year look for an oil rated to reduce friction and seal valves in low temperatures, too.  If your region’s winter months dip near or below freezing you want to switch to 5W30 oil, which flows more quickly in colder temperatures.  (Did you know the “W” in motor oil doesn’t mean “weight”?  It really stands for winter.)

2.    Windshield wipers: Upgrade your blade.
Changing your wiper blades twice a year is good, and in doing so you’re probably already ahead of your friends and neighbors.  But be sure you’re using winter wiper blades at the start of the cold season for the best glass coverage.  What’s the diff?  The winter variety is lovingly wrapped in a thick boot that kicks ice and snow buildup to the curb, preventing blade breakage underneath.

3.    Battery: Charge ahead.
When the temperature drops below freezing your vehicle’s battery loses 33% of its power, and once the thermometer reads zero your power plummets to 50%.  To compound matters, winter moisture sticks to a dirty battery, causing leaks and premature death.  Extend the life of your battery by removing the terminals and scrubbing with a warm water and baking soda mix before coating the exposed metal with petroleum jelly. Then clean the body of the battery with a gentle household cleaner.  If your battery is more than three years old it may need replacing altogether.

4.    Belts and hoses: Check ‘em before the first freeze.
Cold temperatures can accelerate the failure of a vehicle’s belts and hoses, which don’t last forever anyway.  (Five years is the average life span of a radiator hose.) Visually check out your belts and hoses for any obvious leaks or cracks, and keep an eye out for any loose clamps you might stumble upon along the way.  Use your hands to feel around for any brittleness in the belts or softness in the hoses, sure signs she’s about to blow.

5.    Tire wear: Tread water.  And snow.  And ice…
Keep four on the floor this winter with a good amount of tread on your tires.  If your tread gets too low your car quickly loses all ability to grip the road in bad weather.  So how do you know what the ideal 2/23 of an inch of tread looks like?  Take a penny and hold Lincoln’s body between your thumb and forefinger.  Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and place Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves. If any part of his head is obscured by the tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount.   If you can see above his head, “In God We Trust,” it’s time for new tires.

6.    Tire pressure: Pump up the volume.
Low tire pressure can cause excess wear and a dangerous situation…and no matter how supersonic you think your eyesight is, you can’t tell by looking at your tires that they’re low.  Your wheels may be 50-70% under the right pressure before your eye can detect they’re under inflated, so use a tire pressure gauge to measure and compare to your vehicle’s optimal pressure (found on the manufacturer’s sticker located inside the door, glove box, or fuel door).

7.    4-wheel drive: Check it out BEFORE you need it.
Finally!  You get to put all the safety and stability of your beloved SUV or truck to the test this winter.  Ah, the satisfaction of traction the average bunny slope driver isn’t privy to!  But what if your 4WD suddenly went MIA?  Don’t wait for the perfect snowy climb to test it out.  If you haven’t engaged 4WD since last winter take your vehicle out for a test drive before the snow flies.  Every part of the system – transfer lever, locking hubs, and push button engagement – should employ and disengage smoothly and run noise-free.

8.    Antifreeze: Like beer for your horses.
Use an antifreeze tester (found at any auto store) to check the ratio of antifreeze to water inside your radiator.  The rule of thumb is an easy 50:50.  Test what’s in your radiator, then top it off with antifreeze or water until you achieve the perfect ratio.  Doing so will prevent freezing the cooling system at fierce temperatures and prevent internal corrosion. As a bonus, many types of antifreeze also have additives that help prolong the lifespan of vital components by lubricating the water pump and thermostat.

9.    Emergency kit: Beyond junk in the trunk.
If you were stranded by the side of the road, alone and in the dark, getting the hell out of there fastest may depend on what you have in the way of a roadside emergency kit.  The contents can vary, but the basic bag you’ve got tucked away should include flares, a blanket, boots, a radio, a flashlight, an ice scrapper, and some drinking water.  A more comprehensive kit can include a collapsible shovel, a bag of salt or cat litter, jumper cables, engine oil, washer fluid, and antifreeze.

10.    Brakes: We’ll stop now.
Don’t ignore what’s right under foot.  Any brake problems you have in good weather will be compounded in winter due to the big reduction in traction.  To keep your stopping power and steering control at optimal levels, rain or shine, look at (or ask a mechanic to show you) how much grip is left on your brake pads.  If any of your pads look thinner than two CDs stacked on top of each other it’s time for new brakes.