5 Winter Car Care Tips You Can't Ignore
Winter driving demands special attention and preparation. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and road salt create unique challenges that can damage your vehicle and compromise safety. As winter approaches, Owasso Auto Insurance wants to help you understand the critical maintenance steps necessary to keep your car running smoothly throughout the season. With proper preparation and attention to your vehicle's needs, you can ensure reliable performance, maximize safety for you and your passengers, and potentially avoid costly repairs. Here are five essential winter car care tips that every driver should know and implement before the cold weather arrives.
1. Check Your Battery
Your vehicle's battery is one of the most critical components during winter months. Cold weather significantly drains battery power because chemical reactions that produce electricity slow down in freezing temperatures. Battery capacity can drop by as much as 50% in extremely cold conditions. If your battery is more than three years old, get it professionally tested before winter sets in. Modern batteries typically last between three to five years, and winter conditions can expedite their decline. It's far better to replace a weak battery now than to be stranded in a parking lot on a freezing night. Look for signs of a failing battery including slow cranking, dim headlights, or clicking sounds when turning the key. Many auto parts retailers offer free battery testing, making it easy to assess your battery's health. Consider investing in a high-quality battery designed specifically for cold climates if you live in an area with particularly harsh winters. A strong battery not only ensures your car starts reliably but also supports all electrical systems in your vehicle.
2. Inspect Your Tires
Tire maintenance becomes critically important during winter months. Tire pressure naturally decreases as temperature drops, with approximately one PSI (pound per square inch) lost for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop. Underinflated tires reduce traction, increase fuel consumption, and can cause dangerous blowouts. Check your tire pressure monthly during winter and always inflate to the manufacturer's recommended specifications found on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb. Beyond pressure, examine your tire tread depth carefully. Worn tires provide inadequate traction in snow and ice. The penny test is a quick way to check: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing downward. If the top of his head is visible, your tread is too shallow and replacement is necessary. For areas with heavy snow, many experts recommend winter tires as a worthwhile investment. Winter tires feature special rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures and have unique tread patterns designed specifically for snow and ice traction. While summer or all-season tires harden in cold weather, winter tires maintain optimal grip. If budget is a concern, at minimum ensure your current tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. Consider rotating your tires regularly to ensure even wear and extend tire life.
3. Check Your Fluids
Winter temperatures affect all vehicle fluids, making regular checks essential. Your engine oil needs special attention because cold temperatures increase its viscosity, making it thicker and harder to flow. Thicker oil reduces your engine's ability to start and lubricate efficiently. Check your oil level monthly and consider switching to a winter-grade oil with a lower viscosity rating if recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Your engine coolant or antifreeze is perhaps the most critical winter fluid. This coolant mixture prevents your radiator from freezing and your engine from overheating. Over time, coolant loses effectiveness and should be checked for concentration. Most vehicles require a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to prevent freezing at temperatures around minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Have your cooling system professionally flushed and refilled according to your manufacturer's recommendations, typically every 30,000-50,000 miles. Don't overlook windshield washer fluid—standard summer washer fluid will freeze on your windshield in cold temperatures, impairing visibility and creating safety hazards. Switch to winter-grade washer fluid specifically designed to remain liquid at sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, inspect your transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Any of these fluids can thicken or degrade in winter conditions, affecting your vehicle's performance and safety.
4. Replace Wiper Blades
Visibility is paramount during winter driving, making functional wiper blades essential safety equipment. If your wipers are leaving streaks, chattering, or not clearing moisture completely, they've reached the end of their service life and need replacement. Winter wiper blades are engineered differently than standard blades to handle the unique challenges of snow and ice. Traditional wiper blades feature exposed metal springs that can freeze in winter weather, reducing their effectiveness. Winter wiper blades are designed with a protective covering that prevents snow and ice buildup, maintaining consistent contact with your windshield. The rubber compound in winter wipers is also formulated to remain flexible in cold temperatures. Additionally, ensure your windshield has full visibility—don't leave snow and ice buildup on your glass, as this obstructs your view and can become dangerous flying debris for other drivers. Consider applying a water-repellent coating to your windshield, which helps precipitation bead off and improves visibility in snow and rain. Check that your windshield washer nozzles aren't clogged or frozen. If you experience frozen nozzles, try pouring warm (not hot) water over them to unfreeze them gently.
5. Pack an Emergency Kit
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and being stranded is a real possibility during severe weather events. Keep a comprehensive emergency kit in your trunk at all times during winter months. This kit should include blankets or sleeping bags for warmth, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a portable phone charger, and a small shovel for clearing snow around your vehicle. Add flares or reflective warning triangles to alert other drivers if you break down. Include a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. Non-perishable snacks and bottled water provide nutrition and hydration if you're stuck for an extended period. A multi-tool or basic tool kit might help with minor vehicle issues. Include road salt or sand to improve traction if you get stuck on ice, plus tire chains if you regularly drive in mountainous or heavy snow areas. Thermal protective aids, hand warmers, and extra winter clothing can be lifesaving if you're stranded in extreme cold. Keep your phone charged and consider a portable jump starter, which is more convenient than traditional jumper cables. Having this emergency kit provides peace of mind and could be invaluable if winter weather forces you off the road. Remember to check your kit occasionally to ensure items haven't expired or deteriorated and replace batteries as needed.
Taking care of your car in winter doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require attention and preparation. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your safety and comfort on the road. At Owasso Auto Insurance, we're committed to helping you stay protected through all seasons. Don't hesitate to reach out with any insurance questions as winter approaches.