How to Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving Conditions

Winterizing your car will lead to a safer and happier winter driving experience. To winterize your car you need to take the proper steps to prepare your car or truck for winter driving conditions. There are several steps you can take to make your winter a little better while you are driving your car.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• proper oil grade
• winter windshield wiper fluid
• studded tires or chains
• first-aid kit
• food
• blankets
• boots
• gloves

1. When the weather starts to cool you need to have the proper oil in your car. When you take your car in to have the oil changed, ask the technician to reference the type of oil that the car manufacturer recommends for cold, winter temperatures. The recommended oil may be slightly thinner. As the temperature drops the oil in your engine thickens, so it is easier to start your car in cold temperatures if you have a thinner grade of oil.

2. Winterize your windshield wiper fluid. You need to fill your windshield wiper fluid reservoir with a variety that will not freeze in colder temperatures. You don't want the fluid to freeze to your windshield while you are driving down the road, and have it impair your visibility. Warm weather windshield wiper fluids can freeze in the reservoir, as well as in the plastic hose that connects the reservoir to your windshield.

3. Purchase high quality all-season or studded tires. You may also wantto have a set of chains in your car or truck. If you purchase chains for your car or truck, buy the chain set for your specific tire size. Learn how to pu the chains on your tires before you need to use the chains in the middle of a snowstorm.

4. Prepare for emergencies in winter weather as driving conditions can change quickly and leave you in hazardous predicaments. In addition to your spare tire, jack and tire iron, you will need a few extra items in case you get stranded in frigid weather. You will want to make sure you have a first-aid kit, blankets, and a small stash of high energy food, such as candy bars. You may also want to keep some warm boots and thick gloves in your car or truck in case you need to walk somewhere or change a tire in cold winter weather.

Resources

• AAA 121-Piece Road Trip First Aid Kit

[jodihill]

on 1/5/2009 Great info! 5*

[sunshine11219]

on 1/5/2009 great tips