Before the temperatures drop and we welcome the dead of winter, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Winter isn’t kind to cars and their various components. And while we’re lucky here on Vancouver Island with relatively mild winters, the freezing temperatures we do receive are enough to do some damage if you aren’t prepared – especially if you regularly park outdoors.
Winter presents driving hazards as well. The buildup of snow and ice can be dangerous if you’re unprepared out on the road.
There are a number of things you can do to your vehicle to prep it for the incoming winter season. This article explores..
Winter Checklist for Your Car
Winter Tires
When the temperatures regularly drop below zero, the rubber compounds in some tires will harden and lose their ability to grip the road. Winter tires are built differently to remain flexible in freezing temperatures, which allows you to brake faster and grip stronger.
On Vancouver Island, most of us can get away with using all-season tires during the winter. But if you expect to be driving in the snow, switching to special winter tires is a good idea – especially if you’re making frequent trips on the Malahat and other dangerous roadways. The plows won’t reach all roads when the snow does come, so it’s best to be safe and prepared with a set of winter tires already equipped.
Battery
The last scenario you want to imagine in the dead of winter is one where you’re stuck in a parking lot with your vehicle refusing to start. If your battery dies, you aren’t going anywhere unless someone is around with jumper cables. As you can imagine, venturing out into more rural areas with a battery in a precarious state of health is a bad idea.
Before winter really hits, clean the posts of your battery and check the charging systems and belts. You’ll need a fully charged battery for winter, so swap it out if your battery is showing any signs of weakness.
Brakes
Your brakes can save you in split-second scenarios. There is no underestimating the value of good brakes, but it becomes more apparent in the winter. The cold weather itself isn’t a risk, but the road is. Snow, ice, and bad drivers will have you using your brakes more than normal, so you’ll need them in prime working order.
It’s always a good idea to take your car to the mechanic before winter to ensure your brakes have enough brake left in them to make it through the winter. If not, replacing them is always a guaranteed good investment.
Winter Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers will come in handy during the winter months. Along with clearing snow and ice, at the very least we can expect a wet winter here on the Island that will have our wipers working overtime.
There are special winter wipers you can buy that come equipped with special rubber. This heavier rubber prevents ice from collecting on the blades. Plus, this upgrade is something you should be able to handle without professional help.
Heating/Cooling System
With fluctuating temperatures and greater demand for heat in the wintertime, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle’s heating and cooling system is firing on all cylinders. The radiator is an important aspect of the system, which is prone to cracking in the hose and leaks in the drive belts. You’ll also want to check the water pump and thermostat to make sure they’re working properly. Finally, anti-freeze probably isn’t something you need to go with on the Island, but you could test the strength of your coolant so its winter-ready.
Fluids
Keeping your fluids topped off is a good idea all year round, but it’s especially vital during the winter, as the colder temperatures have the ability to thicken various fluids. Next time you take your vehicle in for a checkup, ask that all your fluids are topped off. The includes coolant, engine oil, washer fluid, brake fluid transmission fluid and steering fluid.
Tire Pressure
Driving around with low tire pressure in winter conditions is a bad idea. With less tire pressure, you’ll have less traction and reduced handling in times of need. Plus, underinflated tires have less grip on the road regardless of the conditions.
Take your car to a gas station to gauge and refill the air pressure in your tires. But before you do, be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire pressure as to not under or overfill them.
Exterior Detailing
Winter has the ability to wreak havoc on your vehicle. Driving around all winter, salt from the road plus sand, chemicals and snow gets kicked up and ends up on the exterior of the car. This is how rust begins. Not to mention corrosion, which can affect the undercarriage, wheel wells and exhaust system.
Taking your vehicle in for an exterior detailing is a great way to prepare it for the winter and clean it up at the end of the season. A full exterior clean from Mill Bay Auto Spa will take care of the undercarriage, wheel wells, tires, iron deposits, and just about everything else. Plus, a ceramic or graphene coating will create a transparent layer that repels water, dirt and UV. Request a service today.
Emergency Preparedness
Making sure your vehicle is ready for winter is one part of the equation. But you also have to think about the safety of you and your family when you’re out on the road – especially during winter.
Learn to Drive in Winter Conditions
Learning how to drive in winter conditions is another aspect of winter safety – besides just preparing your vehicle for the season. Here are a couple best practices for winter driving:
- Increase following distance. When out on the road, assume the car in front of you has not had their brakes done and isn’t using winter tires. That means increasing the distance from your bumper to theirs when driving.
- Brake gently. Braking all of a sudden – especially when the road is covered in ice or snow, could cause the vehicle to slide. Whenever possible, brake slowly to increase traction and grip.
- Don’t panic. If your vehicle does begin to slide overtop of ice, don’t panic. Don’t erratically attempt to steer your way out of it, as you’ll likely make things worse. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal and steer calmy to safety.
- Slow down. When winter strikes and driving conditions are less than idea, leave your house earlier and take it slow. Accidents are more frequent in poor conditions, and not everyone is equipped to drive in the snow or ice. Take your time.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Packing an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle is a good idea for any kind of trip, but especially when the temperatures are freezing. You never know when your vehicle may break down or where you’ll be when it happens. It doesn’t hurt to be ready in emergency. Here are some items to consider packing into an emergency kit for safe storage in your vehicle:
- Water
- First aid kid
- Flares
- Ice scraper
- Non-perishable food
- Shovel
- Coolant
- Jumper cables
- Extra winter clothing
Dodge corrosion and rust this winter by taking your car to Mill Bay Auto Spa for a meticulous exterior detailing. We’ll pamper your car and ensure you’re all good to go for winter. Visit us in Mill Bay or request a detailing service online.