Avoid the cold weather blues this winter
It’s coming… We both know it. Winter will make driving difficult, so we must be prepared for it. When we were in the military, we had different levels of preparedness. Before the cold weather arrived, we needed to prepare the dozens of vehicles we had to operate even in a winter storm. But how?
Replace cabin air filters
Air Filtration in cabins is often overlooked in later models of vehicles. You probably won’t even consider these necessary maintenance items, but clogging the cabin air filter could drastically reduce the flow of air into your vehicle heating unit, stressing the blower motor and overheating the blower motor resistor. The blower motors can be replaced at a cost of up to $900, and the cabin filter will need replacement before the winter months. You can get a new filter for less than $20 at a parts dealer and follow the instructions for the installation shown in your owner’s manual. Some models indicate airflow directions, so be sure to notice the orientation of this filter when you remove this filter. Alternatively, you can have us install your cabin air filters for you.
Consider winter tires
Winter tires could save you. The winter tires are very stable in winter and reduce the distance of your stop by nearly 30 feet. Comparable to all-season tires. Usually, four winter wheels are about $500 to $700, based on wheel sizes.
Pack a winter car emergency kit
Even before worrying about Winter Tires, we worried about a winter car emergency kit because winter driving without it was dangerous and irresponsible. Here’s a short list of things to pack:
- duffel bag
- wool blanket (the itchy kind)
- emergency blanket (metallic-looking one)
- first aid/trauma kit
- extra winter wiper blades
- flares/hazard triangles
- tow strap
- folding shovel
- radio set
- battery/booster pack
- sandbags
- brake fluid
- spare fuel
- emergency candles
Check your coolant
Coolant helps keep the motor cool and reduces the vehicle’s temperature. Coolant also includes lubricants for water pressure pumps and anticorrosive additives to ensure optimum performance. Your coolant also stops your engine block from freezing in the cold winter temperatures. Checking your coolant strength is easy with a simple tester. But do not stop at that. Check your radiator cap seals and your coolant’s ph. level. Another suggestion is to flush your radiator. Radiator flush service starts at $129.95, depending on the vehicle size. A flush will clear your vehicle of old fluid and debris. Give your vehicle a fresh start to prevent multiple issues in the future.
Lubricate window tracks
Freezing water can get around windows in the tracks and cause dragging or total freeze-ups when you want a window opened, especially at the drive-thru. It’s dangerous for a window to lose power, and could cost hundreds of dollars to replace damaged electrical and physical components of your power window system. This can be avoided by lubricating window tracks using spray silicones and, if necessary, using dry spray graphite. Lower the window and spray the lubricant into the window tracks.
Test your car battery
Battery life in cars is limited. You can inspect the batteries with a fancy computer unit or using handheld voltage testers. A computerized battery tester is used for checking internal resistance and conductance, giving an accurate picture of a battery. It also checks if your starter and alternator are functioning properly.
Lube Latches and Hinges
A broken door lock or key can add to your car’s problems. Keeping your locks, latches and hinges lubed can prevent this. Use spray silicones or, if necessary, use dry spray graphite to keep these vital areas moving smoothly.
Check and Replace Your Hood Lifts
Finding out your hood lifts are damaged when cold weather arrives can be a real headache. Since both lifts receive similar wear, you should replace them both. Be sure to get someone else to help when replacing these.
Switch to Winter Wiper Blades
Normal wiper blades fail in the winter, and the blade will break loose or rip apart into many pieces on your windshield. Winter wiper blades eliminate this issue. Using rubber boots, the blade is sealed to protect it. This improves winter driving visibility and helps prevent accidents during winter.
This is just the beginning
Of course, with a topic like winter driving, I could add hundreds of things to this list that would be good to keep your vehicle ready for wintertime. However, for the sake of your time and mine will leave this list where it is for now. Preparation is the key to wintertime in Edmonton, and one of the most important things you need to prepare for winter is your car. Taking a few minutes yourself or bringing your car to your mechanic to get it ready for the winter time or inspected for the winter can save you from really bad headaches during this winter season. So I hope this post has been helpful to you, and please share it with your friends so they can be ready for winter driving too