Even if you’re the type of person who wants to just hibernate until warm temperatures return, it’s crucial that you take steps to winterize your vehicle. You need to be sure your chariot is ready to take you through winter’s worst safely. The following list gives you the essentials to check or have checked, if you’re not mechanically inclined.
- Inspect your tires. Worn and underinflated tires are not what you want to rely on to navigate through snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The famed auto club AAA explains everything you need to know to perform this critical examination.
- Examine the battery. First, look at the cables and inspect for any damage like cracks. Next, take a close look at the terminals to ensure they securely fit. Lastly, check the battery fluid level and add distilled water if needed.
- Observe your brakes’ performance. Are you hearing squealing or grinding sounds when you apply the brakes? Does your vehicle pull to one side or another when you brake? These are signs you should head to your trusted mechanic for a professional assessment.
- Change your oil. Colder temperatures can thicken your oil. Experts recommend changing to a lower viscosity oil so that even frigid temps won’t stop your oil from doing its job - lubricating your engine.
- Add proper coolant/antifreeze. The reserve tank is clear so it’s easy to check the liquid’s level. If it looks low, you can add it yourself, but there are a few very important things to remember. First, wait until the engine is cold. Hot liquid can spurt out if you unscrew the cap when the engine is hot. Next, you must be certain you’re using the correct coolant. Consult your owner’s manual. Lastly, after you’ve determined which is the correct coolant, read the mixing instructions carefully. You’ll want the correct ratio of coolant to water.
- Check belts and hoses. Look for cracks or other evidence of wear and tear. Specifically for belts, check for looseness. Most belts should have no more than ½ inch give. Examine the hose fasteners to look for rust and other signs indicating they might fail.
- Change the wiper blades. Take a good look at the blade to check the condition of the rubber. If it’s hard and worn, it’s time to replace. Of all the DIY automotive maintenance tasks, this one might be the easiest of all. Check out a short wikiHow article on replacing wiper blades. Speaking of wipers…
- Use winter-blend windshield wiper fluid. The blend has a higher amount of methyl alcohol than is found in other wiper fluid types. That means it has a lower freezing point than other wiper fluids, all the better to clear slush and grime from your windshield.
Additional Safety Tips
By taking care of the above items, your vehicle will be ready for cold temperatures and hazardous driving conditions. We’d also like to present a few winter safety tips, starting with making sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Because you never know when your vehicle might break down, you should always keep your gas tank at least half full so you can keep the engine running to stay warm. The last tip is about AWD (All Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four Wheel Drive). Review these features in your owner’s manual. You’ll want to know when to use each and how to engage either.
When it’s time to pay for any winterizing supplies or service, be sure to use the card that pays you back. You can earn 2%* or 1.5% cash rewards on every purchase, every time with our Founder’s Rewards Card. This card is one of the many benefits available exclusively to PSECU members. Other perks include free checking, debit card rewards, and access to more than surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. At PSECU our members achieve more. You can, too. Visit psecu.com/join.
*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. See the Visa® Founder's Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.