January 26, 2011
Top 10 Car Winterizing Tips
On a cold Monday morning after a snowstorm, you hop into your car and drive off to work. The engine’s a bit sluggish today, but you shrug at the stop sign before moving on — it usually is during the winter, but the old heap’s never let you down, right? What could possibly go wrong?
Before you know it, you’re sliding over an ice patch. You test the brakes, but this only makes it worse. Then — slam! — you hit a snow bank, covering your car with snow and creating your own makeshift igloo. You try to start the engine again after it stalled, but it looks like the battery is dead. After several minutes of trying to force the door open, a quick look in your backseat lets you know you’re stuck in the worst way. No food, no gloves, no boots, no blankets.
- Check Your Tire Pressure and Consider Snow Tires
- Check Your Battery
- Check Your Oil and Oil Viscosity
- Put in the Right Amount of Antifreeze
- Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
- Check Your Defrosting and Heating Units
- Replace Windshield Wipers and Wiper Fluid
- Check Your Car’s Belts and Hoses
- Make Sure Your4-Wheel Drive Works
- Keep an Emergency Kit Inside Your Car
[Source: How Stuff Works]
