When winter hits here in Ohio, we have several months of what I call “brown sticks and mud season.” Then, the buckets of snow and freezing slush begin. The weather is predictably varied here, and we often experience freezing temps in the early mornings and above average “heat waves” in the same day. Such weather extremes can be rough on your vehicle.
Last week, I discussed how having a winter vehicle can save you money, and this week, I’m going to share a few tips and tricks for maintaining your vehicle come wintertime.
1. Manage rust with rinsing & products.
Snow and ice are dangerous — and I don’t just mean for driving conditions. The solvents that are put on the roadways during bad weather can eat away the frame, brake lines, and body panels of your vehicle.
If you have to drive during inclement weather and know there are treatments on the road, be sure to rinse out the undercarriage of your car as soon as possible. You can do this at a car wash or at home with the garden hose, but it’s crucial to wash away those chemicals and salt mixtures as soon as possible.
To help prevent premature rusting, you can also have an electronic rust prevention device installed on your car. This device sends a small electric current through the frame of your vehicle, sometimes in conjunction with special coatings, to prevent rusting. Some people claim these products don’t make a difference, but we’ve had good success with ours here in Kitchener.
2. Check your tire pressure often.
Fluctuating temperatures can mean changes in your tire pressure, which can lead to tire damage, poor driving control, and lower gas mileage. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure, and measure your tires frequently to make sure they match it.
3. Change your tires.
Having a set of tires specifically for winter driving is a good idea. This gives you increased safety on slick roadways. Changing your tires between summer and winter also means your summer tires (which likely get more mileage) last longer.
4. Don’t roll your windows down in freezing temperatures.
Wait until your car has been warm for at least 30 minutes before attempting to roll the windows down, as doing so beforehand will cause water collected in your window seals and the mechanical parts of your door to freeze. If not allowed to thaw before operating the windows, this can cause damage to your car, such as leaky windows or temperamental controls.
5. Replace your windshield wipers at the first sign of snow.
When it flurries for the first time, head out and put on those new wiper blades. You may need them to stay safe during an unexpected ice storm or when that nice semi-truck passes you and splashes six inches of mud and cinders on your windshield.
6. Take your car in for winter maintenance.
Get a flush and fill, have your antifreeze checked, and make sure your brakes are in good condition before you head out on winter roadways. Also, be sure to check your battery, as cold weather is rough on older batteries.
Buy Best Winter Tires at Foreign Automotive. Get your winter tires today, and take up to 12 months to pay for them. Or defer the payment for 90 Days.
