This year finally brings us out of the Zoom room and back into the classroom, that means many OW students are commuting again. Now, with winter fast approaching, those cars that were parked last winter will need to be driven to school this winter.
Winter prep is important for proper car care and no matter what the age of your car-this winter even more so. Here are a few items students can check in their driveway.
Battery and Charging System
How old is your car and your battery? A car battery usually lasts, at full strength, for five years, if older than five years, it could have difficulty starting your car in the cold weather.
Drive Belts
Look at drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.
Engine Hoses
Look at cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feeling.
Tire Type and Tread
If your car isn’t four-wheel-drive/AWD, consider installing snow tires on all four wheels for the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
Tire Pressure
Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires (the spare too). This should be done more frequently in fall and winter as the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures—typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Coolant Levels
Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
Lights
Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
Wiper Blades
The wiper blades on your car should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots.
Washer Fluid
Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
Rain-X Your Windows
Rain X is a great treatment for winter windshields, preventing icing up and fogging. It is a hydrophobic silicone polymer that forces water to bead and roll off of the car, often without needing wipers. This can be purchased at any auto parts store and helps reduce the amount of scrapping you’ll have to do in the parking lot after class.
Brakes
If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order. This is especially true if your car is equipped with an ABS system as it should be in proper working order when driving on snowy or icy roadways.
Emergency Road Kit
Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include: • Mobile phone car charger • First-aid kit • Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats • Snow shovel • Blankets • Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves) • Flashlight with extra batteries • Window washer solvent • Ice scraper with brush • Cloth or roll of paper towels • Jumper cables • Warning devices (flares or triangles) • Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).
With these tips and a little care, getting back to commuting, even in the winter will be as rewarding as it was when you first got off of Zoom in September.
