Car Winterizing Tips

Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready?

Snow, ice, and cold temperatures all drastically change the nature of driving in Florida. During the winter months, these factors demand that you make changes to both the inside and outside of your vehicle. Doing so will help to keep you and your passengers safe during a period when the roads are notoriously dangerous. Here are some tips for getting your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions:

External Changes:

Tires - Consider replacing your warm season tires with studded snow tires designed to perform on snowy, icy roads. In lieu of snow tires, put chains on your existing tires to give you added traction when driving through wintry locales. Check your tire pressure during the winter months when good traction is so important, and make sure it's up to par (check your tires for correct fill). Keep in mind that tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every temperature decrease of ten degrees.

Windshield Wipers - Replace your windshield wipers with a fresh set that will effectively remove snow and rain from your windshield.

Convertible Tops - If you drive a convertible, check the top to make sure it is free from any holes or tears, and that it closes completely to seal out cold air and moisture. Make repairs or a replacement if necessary.

Internal Changes:

Oil - Have your oil changed and, if you live in a cold climate, consider using thinner low-viscosity oil during the winter months. Oil thickens in cold temperatures, so using a thinner oil helps, as it will move more easily through your engine.

Antifreeze - This is the time to make sure you have an ample supply of antifreeze in your vehicle. The ideal ratio of antifreeze to water in your vehicle's radiator is 50:50.

Windshield Wiper Fluid - Roads are especially dirty in the wintertime, and a sufficient supply of windshield wiper fluid will enable you to see well and drive safer.

Supplies:

Ice Scraper - Buy an ice scraper for your car windshield, and keep it in your vehicle all winter long. Driving while straining to see through an icy windshield, hoping that the ice will melt as you go, is dangerous.

Snow Shovel - Keep a shovel in your vehicle if you live in a snowy locale. It will be indispensable should you accidentally slide into a snowy shoulder or ditch and need to dig snow out of the way in order to get your vehicle back out.

Sleeping Bag - Store at least one good-quality, down-filled sleeping bag or blanket in your vehicle in the wintertime. If you have a minor accident or drive into a ditch due to an icy road and have to spend a lengthy period of time in your car, you can stay warm with a sleeping bag and save gas by not turning on the engine and heater.