SUMMER is officially over, bringing with it a reminder for all drivers that the roads are about to get a lot more dangerous.
The cold weather can also impact your car in a number of different ways, potentially costing drivers thousands if some key maintenance isn’t done ahead of time.
Squeaky wipers are a sign that new blades are needed[/caption]
A good set of wipers can make for a night and day difference in visibility[/caption]
Properly inflated tires can make major differences in traction[/caption]
Brakes are best to maintain before being tested by cold weather[/caption]
Arguably the most important place to start is windshield wiper blades, which are the first line of defense for maintaining visibility against harsh fall and winter weather.
It’s also easy to tell whether or not your blades need replacing via the squeak test. If they squeak while rushing back and forth on the windshield, they’re worn down and need to be swapped out.
Thankfully, this incredibly important upkeep is both inexpensive and easy to do at home, saving you time and money in both the short and long term.
Light systems are also important to check for the impact they can have in the middle of a storm, and it means more than just replacing main headlight bulbs.
Daytime running lights, fog lights, tail lights, turn signal bulbs, and even interior lights are all necessary to have during the cold seasons, thanks to both shortened days and frequent storms.
Heater and defroster systems are also important to check as both a means of survival in the worst case scenarios and for maintaining visibility during vehicle operation.
The single biggest issue to look out for is a bad blower motor, which is responsible for pushing heat through the vents into the main cabin.
Tires also play an integral role in travel during the winter months. While having good remaining tread life is important, even more significant is ensuring they’re properly inflated.
In the cold months, air compresses in your tires due to the decreased temperature, which results in a lower PSI rating in each one.
In terms of vehicle safety, underinflated tires don’t have the same performance ratings as when properly filled. This is due to uneven contact with the road when underinflated, and is exacerbated by cold weather already reducing friction.
Underinflated tires can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency and more wear and tear on the set. The information written on the sidewalls of your specific tires will tell you the recommended PSI to fill them with.
Brakes are equally as important in fall and winter automotive travel, as they’ll be working overtime against slippery conditions and roads littered with fallen leaves.
Checking pads, rotors, and brake line systems are all key maintenance steps to take, and can be the difference between catastrophe or a close call.
Last but certainly not least are changing engine oil and checking various fluids.
More winter car advice from AAA
The American Automobile Association shared advice on preparing your car for the winter months.
AAA gave the following tips for drivers getting ready for cold weather:
- Get your brakes checked
- Check tire pressure
- Test your car’s battery
- Apply water repellent to your windshield
- Check antifreeze levels
- Clean your headlights
- Have emergency tools available like jumper cables, salt, and an ice scraper
Depending on how cold it gets locally, you may need to switch to a lower viscosity oil than in warmer months. This is due to the extreme cold thickening highly viscous oil even further, straining oil pumps as a result.
Even if this isn’t the case, changing your engine oil ahead of the cold months can ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition and doesn’t leave you stranded.
Additional fluids to check include transmission, brake, power steering, and coolant levels, all of which are integral to safe vehicle operation especially as road conditions worsen.
PREPARATION PAST MAINTENANCE
While these are the biggest car maintenance checks to make, proper preparation doesn’t stop there. Breakdowns are unexpected by nature, making foresight key to surviving any scenario.
Essentials such as flashlights, blankets, non-perishable food items, a and a first-aid kit can make the difference in surviving being stranded.
It’s also good to have some sort of traction aid to combat snow or ice, such as wooden planks, thick towels, or rock salt which can give bogged tires something to grab onto.
Unexpected breakdowns prove the importance in having an emergency kit at the ready[/caption]
