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How to Ready Your Car for Winter

Member
By djackman
User-Submitted Article
(14 Ratings)
Ready Your Car for Winter
Ready Your Car for Winter

If you're like me and live in the northeast, winter is coming upon us. I have listed some routine maintenance for your car that may just keep you from getting left out in the cold.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • oil / filter/ filter wrench
  • antifreeze
  • jack stand
  • tire wrench
  • tire pressure gauge
  1. Step 1

    You need to decide if you want to do this work yourself, or have a reputable mechanic perform the work. I always go with the mechanic, I'm not really car savvy and they can do this work easier than me, simply because of the tools involved.

  2. Step 2

    Changing your oil will give you fresh lubrication for the long cold months of winter and make your engine run smoother. Drain your oil pan from underneath, replug drain and add recommended oil amount and type ( check your owners manual for type and amount.) your mechanic will have this information.

  3. Step 3

    Check your radiator for proper level and mixture, they make a gauge for this. It simply takes a sample from your radiator and gives you a reading. If you need to add fluid, use premixed anti freeze. You might want to take this a step further and flush your radiator and refill. I recommend a mechanic do this work.

  4. Step 4

    Tire rotation and pressure check is probably the most important thing to keep up with. Rotate back to opposite front on both sides. Inflate tires to recommended pressure usually written on side wall of tire. Don't forget the spare tire in this process, you never know when you will need this tire.

Tips & Warnings
  • consult owners manual for amounts and types of fluids
  • consult a mechanic

Comments  

| View All 18 Comments

smiley28 said

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on 11/25/2009 Really nice article, I'm going to need this after a month. It was a pleasure to read, and I think u deserve a 10... Giving u 5 and a recommendation.

missval7 said

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on 11/23/2009 Great tips that I need to put to use now! 5*

divaonline said

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on 11/21/2009 How to ready your car for winter offers practical advice that will not only keep your car running well, but provide you with a safe car (tire rotation) as well. 5*

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on 11/9/2009 Excellent article on How to Ready Your Car for Winter. Good tips. 5*

jawhite664 said

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on 11/9/2009 This will come in handy very soon! Thank you! :) 5*

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