Just because you drive an SUV doesn't mean you're ready for the coming storm—adequate preparation will put you miles ahead during winter months.
You'll need to do more than merely hope, of course. Now is a good time to review critical items that may need servicing to endure the cold-weather season.
"Breakdowns are most often preventable by simply ensuring that your vehicle is regularly maintained," said Robert Kaczor, assistant vice president of AAA automotive services. "The state of health and durability of things like batteries, fluid levels and tire conditions all come into question especially during the winter season when extremely cold temperatures can put even the most reliable devices to the test."
Batteries Get Zapped by Cold
Cold weather is hard on batteries; therefore, checking your car's battery should be at the top of any winterizing to-do list.
Look at the connections and make sure they're tight and corrosion-free and cables aren't loose.
A qualified technician should determine the condition of the battery via a load test. Some mechanics recommend replacing a battery with less than a year left on its warranty regardless of how it scores on a load test. These pros point out that a battery loses almost a third of its starting cranking power at freezing, which is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get Fluids Up to Snuff
The Specialty Equipment Market Association, which is made up of companies that sell a variety of automotive parts, advises you get a thorough check of your vehicle's vital fluids and filters as well as hoses, belts and tires.
"At the very least," SEMA says, "a change of season should automatically tip you off to have the oil and filter in your vehicle changed." While a car may well be due for an oil change, some cars also require a lighter weight, or lower viscosity, oil if driven in severe cold. If applicable, your owner's manual will have details.
Coolant level also should be checked. Make sure the mix between antifreeze and water is correct, usually 50/50. If the coolant level has remained at what is specified in the car's owner's manual, it's likely OK. But if water has been added from time to time, have the cooling system checked and, if necessary, flushed and refilled.
Visibility Is Critical
Don't overlook windshield-washer fluid. If it's low, top it off with a commercial no-freeze fluid from a local auto parts store.
In addition, auto experts advise checking to see how well the wipers work. Blades aren't expensive, and they're relatively easy to replace. If your blades are more than a year old and/or don't get the windshield completely clean—without streaks—in three swipes, it's time for new ones.
Inspect and keep clean and in good working order your car's headlights, taillights, fog lights, brake lights and defrosters, too. Don't forget to include your emergency flashers. "See and be seen" is a motto of the American Automobile Club—and for good reason.
Interior Items Count, Too
Check your vehicle's floor for any cracks or holes that could let in dangerous exhaust gases. All gases need to be vented to the outside and not allowed to come into your vehicle. Remember, deadly carbon monoxide gas is odorless, so don't ignore this issue.
Test your vehicle's heater to make sure it's in good working order, so you and your riders will be comfortable during winter drives.
Don't Forget Brakes, Belts, Hoses
Brake fluid and clutch fluid should be topped off, as should transmission fluid (assuming your vehicle doesn't have a sealed-for-life gearbox; check your owner's manual).
Push and pull on engine belts and squeeze hoses. These items tend to deteriorate over time, so regular checkups should help you spot trouble before it occurs.
The rule of thumb is that belts giving more than one inch under finger pressure might need adjustment. At any sign of cracking or fraying of either, have the offender replaced.
As for hoses, look for loose connections, unusual bulges, cracks, tears and holes.
Tires Change in the Cold
Tire pressure and tread depth affect traction in snow and rain.
According to Bill Egan, chief engineer of advanced tire technology for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., a tire inflated at 32 pounds per square inch (psi) on a warm 70-degree Fahrenheit day will register at an underinflated 26 psi in freezing weather.
Tire inflation is very important, since a properly inflated tire provides optimum traction and will last longer. Egan says a tire loses 10 percent of its expected tread life for every 10 percent it's underinflated.
This is not a once-a-winter check. Make a point to monitor your tire pressure about twice a month in the cold months. And don't forget to check your spare.
Egan also offers a cautionary note regarding studded tires. While they can offer traction improvements of up to 40 percent over conventional street tires on hard-packed snow and ice, they reduce traction on dry roads because the studs keep the tire from gripping the road.
Tread depth is critical to controlling a car at all times, especially in snow or heavy rain. A simple way to check tread depth requires only a penny. Insert a penny in between the tread blocks of your car's tire, making sure Abe Lincoln's head goes in first and is facing toward you; once the penny touches the bottom of the groove, note if you can see the top of Abe's head with the tire's surface at eye level. If the tread doesn't reach the top of Abe's head, too much has been worn off and the tire definitely needs to be replaced.
For valuable information about choosing winter tires, please read this article .
Tune-Up Time?
Check the owner's manual to see if a general tune-up is due—spark plugs, ignition coil, fuel-injection and other emission-control equipment, brake linings or pads and general lubrication.
Put at least one coat of wax on the exterior of your vehicle. Not only will it protect your paint in winter, it can help snow and ice slide off more easily.
Some auto experts advise spraying lubricants such as WD-40 or graphite in all door and trunk locks to keep them from freezing. These lubricants can be found at local auto parts stores.
For a more detailed list of tips on winterizing your car, go to the MSN Autos Winterizing Checklist.
Be Ready for Trouble
Be sure to stock your emergency kit and keep it inside your vehicle. The AAA suggests a kit should include flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, blanket, warm clothes, gloves, hat, paper towels, snow shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, washer fluid and extra food and water.
Finally, if you own a cell phone, remember to carry it with you.
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