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Let it snow! But wait, what about your car? Manitoba winter is charming, and to make it a great experience, let's talk about car safety. More precisely, what to do to keep your car on the go during cold nights and stormy days. It is the right time to get ready.
Start with your tires. Winter tires are great for everyday winter driving. If you have them – check if they still do the job, making you safe on the road. We want to take a deeper look at all-weather and all-season tires, as they have a difference. All-weather tires are for better winter grip without compromising durability. They perform well in different seasons but are better for winter than all-season ones. They are not as good as winter tires for snowy and icy weather.
All-season tires last longer than all-weather, but their performance level is lower during winter. Considering the storms we can experience, the number one choice is winter tires. Then we have all-weather tires and all-season.
Check your wipers. We have lower-than-usual visibility during storm season. This way, the wipers are the key to a clean windshield. The prices are getting high, and we better consider getting more life out of the ones we have. Wipe them down with vinegar or window cleaner. Go up and down the rubber part. It will help you to get rid of dirt and old dry rubber. The good idea is to pop wipers up during parking, so it will be easier to clean the windshield. Make sure it is not windy, as a strong wind can damage them.
Battery and oil change. Prevent unexpected by checking your battery life. It is for those who park their car outdoors. Repair shops don't charge too much for that. It can save you from being stuck in the middle of nowhere on the way to work. Some stores with car parts check your battery for free. Also, if you're willing to change your battery - consider big stores like Costco. They sell batteries for a fair price. You will need a second hand because they are heavy.
Say no to corrosion. Wash your vehicle and check your car for any scratches and damages. The goal is to spot every scratch deep enough to see the metal. They need to be covered in paint before winter comes. You can go to a repair shop or fix it on a low budget. For the second option, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and put a clear coat on (nail polish works too). You can check your local stores for touch-up paint in your colour. To prevent underbody corrosion, keep your car clean by washing it frequently.
Check your engine coolant. Antifreeze is what people think of when it comes to winter car care. You can schedule your car service regularly to prevent any brokerage. New cars have coolant for up to 150 000 miles, but it is never a bad idea to check. Use a $10 tester from your local car-parts store to save time.
Washer fluid is a must. Did you put water in your windshield washer tank? It is a bad idea, as it freezes inside and expands tubes. It will also freeze the jets. It is expensive to fix the system. Always pay attention to the label on the washer fluid. Be safe and choose a high freezing point for Manitoba. Do not face the danger of a frozen windshield while you're driving.
Fresh air in your tires. There is a popular prank with premium air on social media. People tell their partners they paid a lot for premium air and see the reaction. A funny joke is a great reminder for everyone to check their tire air level. Have you ever seen a Check air pressure sign on your car during winter? It could be on in the morning and off during the day. Do not neglect it. Top up your tires at a gas station. Also, remember to put the valve caps on and check every tire for them.
A survival kit. We can buy medical boxes in any car parts store, as well as an extinguisher. It is not enough to keep you safe in winter. First of all, keep a few warm blankets in your trunk. Place another survival kit in reach of the driver in case of emergency. Also, add a whistle, lighter and candles. Keep a plastic bag for gathering snow for water and a metal can for melting snow with your candle.
Clean your car. Mess is never a good decision. Sometimes we get busy and have no time to clean the interior of coffee cups and snack packaging. Remember the sweatshirt from that summer night? Yes, it is still in your trunk. Cleaning is not only to prevent diseases but to keep you comfortable. Winter jackets are big, so we don't want to get dirty or feel uncomfortable driving.
Check your heater. Summertime is A/C time. We have fun, go on trips and experience a lot of driving. Days are longer, and we take advantage. We don't use our heater frequently, or even at all. The next step of your winter car maintenance is to put on the heater and switch heating positions. Make sure it is working smoothly, and you have nothing to worry about.
Lubricate your window tracks. It is a step we miss a lot. Freezing water can create drag when opening a window. The average cost of repair is $300. Use Teflon spray lubricant and prevent damage. Lower the window and spray on both sides of it. Then, open and close it several times and clean the glass from spray leakage.
Change your Oil. It's important to get your oil changed before the winter season officially begins. The cold can thicken your oil, which can create engine problems. 5W-30 is recommended because it’s actually good to use year-round. If you’re going to use a higher-viscosity oil, make sure to check your user car manual – it may recommend switching to a lower-viscosity for the winter.
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Your Thorwin Properties Team