NYC Living: How to Winterize Your Car

New Yorkers were blasted last week when a mid-winter snow and ice storm took many by surprise. Buses were slowed, airplanes grounded, and some subways delayed. The storm however was felt heaviest (and continues to be so) by New York City's car owners. Anticipation and adjustment to winter weather are important keys to owning a car in New York City. Preparation can be the difference between simply being stuck in slow moving traffic and a hefty towing fee after being stuck in the snow without a shovel.

There are actions you can take to prepare yourself for ole man winter's next potential surprise. Some you will find can be handled personally; others are best left to the pros. If you are unsure, always check your vehicle owners' manual for specific guidelines.

Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant. Antifreeze/coolant is extremely important in colder temperatures. If there is too much water and not enough antifreeze/coolant in the system, it can freeze up, expand and crack key engine components. If you don't have working water hose available (I lived on the 10th floor of an apartment complex) visit a friend's house. I schedule time every year with a friend in New Jersey. I save money by doing it myself and my friend gets an opportunity to remind me of the joys of homeownership and suburban living.

Make sure all of your lights and directional signals are intact and in good working condition. The sun and snow can cause "winter blindness" making it difficult for other drivers to see turn signals, brake lights and hazards, particularly if they are poorly illuminated.

Replace windshield wipers and wiper blades in November. Also, do not use your wipers to remove snow or ice. It is tempting when cold to stay inside your vehicle and let the blades do the work. However, windshield wipers are made to wipe water, heavier snow and ice can ruin the rubber or break the blades entirely. Use a winter-formulated washer fluid. Regular blue washer fluids can freeze in the washer reservoir or on the windshield while driving. Special de-icer formulas will stay liquid in the washer reservoir at temperatures as low as -34°F.

Keep the gas tank topped off. You will avoid being stranded during storms when gas stations may not be open. You will also prevent moisture from collecting in half empty tanks which can cause freezing of gas lines.

If you haven't had your brakes checked in the last six months, do so.

Have your battery inspected and, if necessary, serviced. If your battery is more than four years old going into the winter, replace it.

Bald tires are not only unsafe, but can potentially lead to a disaster on slick, wet roadways. Make sure the tread on your tires is good. If you have winter tires install them. If you don't have any, buy some. You can usually find good deals on winter tires in the beginning of the summer. Even if you wait and purchase them later, four winter tires are a solid investment. They offer more traction when accelerating, braking and turning.

There are also some items that everyone with a vehicle should have in their car at least until April: a sturdy ice crapper, snow shovel, a small bag of sand or kitty litter, jumper cables (year round), a cheap pair of gloves and a cell phone (most will allow you to call 911 even without airtime).

It is impossible to predict what weather or trouble winter may cause vehicles, by taking a few steps you can avoid the most preventable ones.