Getting Your Car Winter Ready

Preparing your car for winter is an important chore to deal with. It means the safety of your family and you. Here are some aspects that you need to pay attention to when it comes to prepping your car for the onslaught of snowy winter. Take a good look at your windshield. If it is has a small crack on any part of it, now is the time to fix it. Experts say that cars suffer thermal shocks during extreme winters and a small crack can actually progress into a much bigger one before you realize it. Repairing this is a small expense, but a necessary one. The next thing you should do when preparing your car for winter is check the fluids in the car. A mechanic will be able to tell you what preventive care you need to take. Remember to check your oil and replace it every 3000 miles. Also look at the coolant and make sure it is always 50 per cent diluted. Transmission fluid is also something that needs to be looked into on a yearly basis. If you use pure engine coolants, they will freeze in extreme temperatures. A better idea would be to dilute it a bit. Other fluids which are usually not looked into are those for your power steering as well as the brake, radiator and the battery fluids. Before the onslaught of winter, make sure these are replaced and topped. Fill up your windshield with washer fluids and do not dilute these. Change your old wiper blades for new ones to ensure that they are in good working condition when you set out in the snow. If you are working with an old battery, then it is a good idea to get a new one before winter sets in. The average battery life is around 4 years and anything older should not be used. Get your trusted mechanic to check on the battery and whether it is time for a change. A few final tips when preparing your car for winter include taking a closer look at all the internal and external parts that are made of rubber. This means the tires specifically. If they are bald, it is time for a change. Also look into the alignment of your wheels as well as the amount of air in them. If the area you live in is extremely snowy, then you should consider adding traction to the wheels. Lift the hood and look at the radiator caps, and all the hoses and connections for repairs or leaks that need to be plugged.