3 Unique Ways To Protect Your Car For The Winter

Cars these days are constructed to be far more reliable and comfortable than ever before, but that in no way makes these machines indestructible. That bitter cold air, often exceedingly dry, will wreak havoc on your automobile unless properly prepared to face the season head-on.

Cars these days are constructed to be far more reliable and comfortable than ever before, but that in no way makes these machines indestructible. One of the biggest threats to the average car out there is not a wreck, neglect, or even theft. More cars are at risk of damage due to the winter months than anything else a driver will encounter on the road. That bitter cold air, often exceedingly dry, will wreak havoc on your automobile unless properly prepared to face the season head-on.

Many auto owners know about the basic common-sense measures needed to protect their automobiles during the winter months. Here is a quick rundown of the basics, just in case you need a refresher course:

Make sure your heater is working properly

Check your windshield wipers

Check your antifreeze levels, wiper fluid levels, etc

Think about new, stronger wiper blades

Check and change your oil and filters

Have the brakes inspected and changed if needed

Check the exhaust system and make necessary repairs

Make sure your lights are working properly

Check door and window seals and repair if necessary

The above-mentioned checklist items are basic, everyday cold-weather things that car owners will have to address before the start of each winter. A failure to properly address critical elements of your automobile could result in disaster. A car that does not start at all, or maybe even a car with failing brakes on an icy road. The results could be disastrous and maybe even deadly. At the least, it may leave you needing to look for new and used car loans, to replace your automobile. Staying on top of your car’s health in the wintertime is of vital importance, particularly if you live in areas with much harsher winters than, say, Florida, Alabama, Japan, Arizona, and other places with warmer climates..

However, that quick checklist mentioned above is only the popular, common-sense stuff. There are some lesser known threats to your car out there, things you may overlook, and even things that you may be looking at improperly. Here are three lesser known factors to be aware of when wintertime starts creeping in.

3 Less Thought About Ways to Protect Your Car During Wintertime

Protect Your Battery

It might not always cross your mind, but the battery is like the heart of your car. If you do not have enough juice in the battery, not only will the car not start, but it will put a lot of strain on your starter and other automobile components, creating a negative chain reaction of broken and malfunctioning parts that need to be replaced. Car batteries can be rather expensive, costing hundreds of dollars for top-flight models. Though you will not have to purchase a new battery every year; the idea is simply to check the health and functionality of your battery in late fall, preparing it for winter. Make sure the battery is functioning on an optimum level, test its connectivity, and make sure that the connections are tight and that no other element of the car is draining the battery unnecessarily, such as an alternator, a bad fuse with the radio, etc. It should take less than 30 minutes to shore up your battery, and you will be thankful that your battery is strong and active when those temperatures drop.

Watch Your Tires

How often do you check the pressure of your tires? Hopefully, if you are a cautious driver, you check the pressure regularly. However, when the winter rolls around, checking your tires goes beyond checking the pressure. You also need to check for rot and worn treads. As the weather gets colder, the rubber of your tires becomes harder. This means the material is not nearly as flexible as it is in warmer weather. Imagine driving on a road with a small crack in your tire. In the summer, this might not be a big issue. In the wintertime, when the tire is hard and the roads are frozen, this could lead to a catastrophic blowout. Inspect your tires thoroughly not only for pressure but also for wear and tear.

Get Your Antifreeze Mixture Correct

Already mentioned above is a quick reminder about antifreeze. But simply filling your car up with antifreeze is not enough. You have to get the mixture right if you expect your antifreeze to work optimally during the winter. The optimum mix here is about a 50/50 blend of antifreeze to water. You do not want pure antifreeze, as it becomes too thick to properly flow, and anything more than 50% water will promote freezing on really cold days. So, if you are not on a 50/50 mix, flush your system and start over for the winter.

Remember that nothing takes a toll on your car quite like the wintertime. Shore up your battery, check your tires, and make sure your antifreeze mixture is spot on. If you can follow a few tips, you should be able to protect your car.