5 Ways to Winterize Your Car

5 Ways to Winterize Your Car
You’ve probably heard the importance of winterizing your home, but did you know it’s also important to winterize your car? If you live in cold-weather state, freezing temperatures can create hazardous driving conditions as well as affect your car’s ability to function safely and properly. Follow these five steps to get your car ready for the winter:
1. Change your oil. An oil change is regular part of your car’s maintenance that should be performed all year long, the frequency of which depends on your car and the type of oil recommended. In winter, most cars run better with a thinner type of oil, as oil tends to thicken in cold weather – and too thick oil won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. It’s best to check your car’s manual to see what oil types are recommended.
2. Adjust your engine’s coolant ratio. In normal weather, you’d usually want a 50/50 ratio of coolant to water, but in freezing temperatures, the ratio for most vehicles should be 60/40. Adjusting this ratio is an important step to winterizing your car, so be sure it’s done by an experienced professional before sub-zero temps set in.
3. Check your battery. Your car’s battery capacity is reduced by cold weather, so checking your battery thoroughly can help keep it from not starting freezing temps. The DMV suggest inspecting cables for cracks and breaks, and terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. Check battery fluid level monthly. A certified repair shop, like Hannabass & Rowe, can test your battery’s ability to hold a charge.

4. Get a basic tune-up. Your car should receive a tune-up roughly every 30,000 miles. If you’re set to hit that mark sometime in the winter, it’s a good idea to have it done before the weather starts getting really bad.

5. Switch to new tires or snow tires. Sliding on icy roads can be a scary experience. Whether or not you have 4-wheel drive, hitting snow-covered roads with new tires or snow tires is a smart idea, as balding tires can create a dangerous situation. Also, it’s very important to have an emergency kit stored in your car in case you get stuck on the side of the road in nasty weather. Water bottles, blankets, a flashlight, and flares are always good things to have on hand. But most importantly in the winter, if your car does sustain damage in a crash, you can trust Hannabass & Rowe with complete and safe repair. We take your family’s safety as seriously as you do!