Winter can be a brutal time for your vehicle. This is especially true in Belleville, IL where the winter weather can go from sunny and 60 to below 0 degrees and snowing. To prepare for these weather changes we have prepared a checklist for you to ensure that you are fully prepared for this upcoming winter season.
Stock Your Car with Emergency Supplies for Winter
You never know if or when you will get stranded in your vehicle on the side of the road. To be prepared make sure you have your car packed with emergency supplies. This can include a blanket, water, jumper cables, and even a shovel.
Check Your Vehicles Battery
Your Vehicle’s Battery uses chemical reactions to generate power. These tend to slow down in extremely cold temperatures. When it is near 5 degrees, a fully charged lead-acid battery has only half its usual amp-hour capacity.
Check Your Anti-Freeze Mixture
The mixture of antifreeze to water in your radiator should be 50 to 50.
Check Your Vehicles Belts & Hoses
Make sure to check your vehicle’s belts & hoses for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any damage have them replaced if need, be. These colder temperatures can weaken the belts and hoses that help keep your engine running.
Change Your Vehicles Wiper Blades Before the Winter Weather Arrives
You will need to see the road in order to drive safely during the winter months. However, the buildup of precipitation as well as salt that can get on your windshield can reduce visibility. Most windshield wipers are only good for about a year. Replace yours if they look worn or frayed. Make sure you also top off your wiper fluid with a brand that has a lower freezing temperature. This will prevent your wiper fluid from freezing up during the cold winter drives.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to decrease. For every 10 degrees decrease in temperature, your tire’s air pressure will drop approximately 1 psi. An inflated tire will ensure that you have the best contact between your vehicle’s tires and the road. This is essential for safe traction while driving through winter weather conditions.
Change the Oil to Prepare for Winter
The colder it becomes outside, the thicker your oil gets. This thick oil does not circulate through the engine as easily as regular thin oil. On the downside, your engine will not get the lubrication it needs to properly start. It is best to change your oil to one that is thinner, to begin with. To check what oil is best for your vehicle during the winter months, check your vehicle’s manual.
If you are unsure about winter preparation for your vehicle, give the professionals at Rowan Tire a call today! We are here to help with you any and all questions that you may have.
