Economical Tips for Winterizing Your Car

With winter upon us, there are ways to help make your vehicle happier during cold weather. They are all preventative measures to help you get the most out of your car before trouble happens. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.

Flush your radiator. I mean, change your radiator fluid (anti-freeze). This will help you gain operating efficiency. Plus, you will have better gas mileage.

Change your wiper blades, if needed. You never know when you will hit a snow storm, or has road slush hitting your windshield. Wiper blades will make your viewing easier and safer.

Keep emergency supplies on hand. Have a blanket, extra gloves, some dehydrated food, flash light, and some kitty litter. Kitty litter helps in case you get stuck in a snow bank. Place these items in your trunk in a box, for convenience.

Carry a can of instant tire in your trunk. If you get a flat tire anywhere, using this will give you an extra few miles.

Booster cables. Be certain you carry some sturdy booster cables in your trunk. This is all-year advice, not just winter weather. You may use them more in the cold weather, though.

Be certain you have good tread on your tires. If not, buy snow tires, or chains. Or, you can have good treaded tires. Either way, be sure your tires have tread on them. In addition to winterizing your car, it provides better gas mileage. Do not drive in snow and ice with bald tires. Not only are you a danger to yourself, but other drivers on the road. Good treaded tires can save your life. They will give you good braking, maneuverability, and stability in inclement winter weather. Plus, you will have better handling of your car.

Keep an ice scraper and brush in your car. Also, an ice pick may come in handy.

Clean any battery corrosion from your battery cables/terminal ends. Do this with a wire brush. Or, you can pour some coke on it. The acidity eats away at the corrosion. Do not get the corrosion on you. It will burn. Therefore, wear gloves.

Check your battery to make certain it is at optimum operating level. You probably need to take it to a automotive repair garage for this. When colder weather comes, a battery uses more power than in warmer weather. Without a good battery, your car won't start.

Windshield washer fluid. Be sure to keep this container full.

Check your tire air pressure. Be certain to keep your tires properly inflated for best performance, traction, and security. It also helps with gas mileage efficiency.

Keep your gas tank as full as possible. This helps prevent moisture from forming in your gas lines. By doing this, you will lessen the chance of your gas lines freezing.

Start engine. Warm up your car. If you are not driving your car for a few days, do not forget about it. If your car is outside during extremely cold weather (below freezing) - start it up. Let it run for until you have heat. Remove all the snow by hand, if needed. Melt off the ice. This is a necessary part of winterizing your car.

Talk to your car. After winterizing it, pat it on the hood. Everyone, and everything, deserves a break. :)

By following the above-mentioned advice for winterizing your car, you will prepare yourself winter time driving. Your car will thank you, too.