Those frosted windshields greeting us in the early morning are a surefire sign that winter's on its way. However, we can take some of the sting out of Jack Frost's bluster by making sure our vehicles are well prepared for the cold.
First and foremost, just as in the summer months, the single most important factor in car safety is the contact patch - those four rectangular sections where the rubber meets the road. Kudos to you if you've already acquired a set of genuine winter tires - the peace of mind they provide is well worth the investment. Not only do they have deeper grooves designed to bite into the snow, but they're engineered with rubber compounds that remain flexible - and grippy - when the mercury dips below zero. Cold air causes molecules to compress, and that includes the air in your tires. Check that your tires are at the recommended pressure, they'll not only perform better, but will improve fuel economy too. And don't forget the spare; hopefully you won't need it, but if you do, you'll want it properly inflated too. Speaking of which; make sure you've got a proper jack and tire iron in the trunk for the duration of the winter as well.
Being stranded is never a good thing. In the middle of winter it could even prove fatal. So it's a good idea to ensure that your car is in good working order. Have it tuned up before that first snow fall. Not only will your car run more efficiently, tune-ups also lessens your chances of stalling. Make sure that drive belts and hoses are all in good condition, and if needed, replace them. Older rubber loses its flexibility in the cold and is more prone to breakage. Oil is categorized by viscosity; a 10W40 oil that works well in summer may be too thick to circulate easily in extreme cold. A thinner oil, such as 5W30, will keep your engine lubricated better in cold temperatures. It's a good idea to have your brakes checked as well. Slippery roads tend to create hazardous situations and you want to be sure you can stop when you need to. Have your engine coolant tested to ensure that it's a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water. Having the right ratio will keep the coolant - and in turn your engine - from freezing in below-zero temperatures. Recent Articles
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