Winter proofing your car this season, tips and advice, dailycarblog,.com
4 Tips for Winter-Proofing Your Car This Season
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Winter-proofing your car isn’t just a chore. In many places, it’s a necessity. Salt and other de-icing chemicals can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle — not to mention all the snow and ice that can wreak havoc. Here are some easy-to-follow tips and tricks to help you winter-proof your car this season. Replace Your Fluids If the temperature is dropping, it’s time for a tune-up. Specifically, you need to replace the fluids that might freeze during the winter months. This process might include:
  • Anti-freeze: If you’ve been supplementing your coolant with water during the warmer months, you’ve raised the freezing point, and it could cause problems. Drain out your current coolant, and replace it with a proper 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.
  • Wiper fluid: Swap out your water fluid for something that’s designed to work in temperatures below 32 degrees. You can even make your own with water, dish soap, ammonia and some isopropyl alcohol to prevent the mixture from freezing.
  • Oil: Check your owner’s manual for this one. Some car manufacturers recommend switching to a thinner oil during the colder months to maintain optimum lubrication.
Not all automotive fluids are created equal, so make sure you’re paying close attention to what’s going into your engine, especially during the colder months. Swap Your Tires If you’re using summer or all-weather tires and the temperature is supposed to drop below freezing for an extended period, it’s time to switch to winter tires or even snow tires. These tires are made of a slightly thicker rubber that doesn’t harden in the cold, and they have wider treads that are designed to shed snow and water to improve traction. Summer tires harden once the temperature drops below about 40 degrees, compromising traction and making it more dangerous to drive in the cold. Tint Your Windows If you don’t already have tint on your windows, now is the perfect time to add it. Cars with UV window film installed experience improved visibility in the sunlight because the tint reduces glare, which can be a big problem if it’s snowy outside. Even if it’s cold out, this tint can help keep your car more comfortable by deflecting up to 55 percent of solar heat. Protect Your Undercarriage The undercarriage of your car is most susceptible to rust during the winter season. This vulnerability is due to the salt and de-icing chemicals that most cities spread on their streets to make it safer to drive when it’s snowy. These chemicals are useful, but they encourage rust. An undercarriage coating helps to protect your undercarriage from exposure to the elements that could rust. This solution can be pricey, and it needs to be installed by a professional, but it can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Just because it’s already snowing outside doesn’t mean it’s too late to winterproof your car for the season. Take the time to protect your investment, and you’ll be safer on the roads during the winter months. Sources: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/make-your-own-cheaper-greener-windshield-washer-fluid/ https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/winter-snow-tires-vs-all-season-tires http://www.madico.com/blog/add-a-layer-of-protection-safety-and-comfort-during-holiday-auto-travel/ https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-rustproofing-undercoating-worth-it-by-cheryl-knight
Winter proofing your car this season, tips and advice, dailycarblog,.com
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