Is your car ready for Winter!

If you made sure your car was ready for summer

it is even more important that you winterize your car.

Winterize Your Car Checklist

1. Check your windshield wiper blades
If your car’s blades are worn or older than one year, make sure to replace them.

2. Replace your windshield washer fluid
Use cold-weather fluid that will not freeze at the coldest winter temperature. Visibility can easily be compromised by salt build-up on the windshield.

3. Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50/50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

4. Check your battery
Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. Have your battery serviced and load-tested to check its ability to hold a charge. If the battery is more than four and-a-half years old, it may be a good idea to replace it.  Check your battery to make sure the fluid levels are high enough if not, fill to the right level with distilled water.

5. Check tire pressure
As the temperature drops your tires will likely lose pressure. While you’re at it, make sure there is air in the spare tire and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the vehicle.  You may want to practice changing your tires also, some cars are not easy to figure out in an emergency situation.  Consult you manual and practice.

6. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread
This is the most important item on this list.  Worn tires on a slick road are extremely dangerous. If you are not sure about the condition of your tires, consult your mechanic.

7. Keep the gas tank as full as possible
Running out of gas in freezing conditions could possibly mean you will be stuck in a freezing car for a long period of time.  So, having a full tank of gas not only helps in the case of bad weather, but it also helps prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.

8. Get a tune up
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended intervals.

No one wants to be stranded, but if it happens be prepared!

9. Pack a safety kit An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time, so it helps to be prepared. Here are some suggested items to carry in your trunk:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.

• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.

• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.

• Paper towels.

• A bag of salt or kitty litter for added traction when a tire is stuck.

• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.

• Extra windshield washer fluid.

• Extra food and bottled water

10.  Check your brakes for wear or cracks.

In the winter using your breaks heats them up then  splashing through icy puddles of water cools them back down. This constant temperature change can wear them down.

Once you have used the checklist and  winterized your car you will be set.  Safe Travels!