Tag Archives: antifreeze winter

Driving in Winter Conditions

Driving in Winter Conditions

Advance Preparation

In the frigid winter weather, Chicago residents often encounter poor to bad driving conditions. Since most drivers never learn defensive driving techniques for bad weather, during the winter many accidents occur that otherwise never would have. Because of this, it’s absolutely essential that you prepare for driving under poor weather conditions; first of all, always keep a raincoat, umbrella, and gloves/scarf in the trunk of the car. You might have to change a tire in the middle of a snowstorm or cold downpour. Also keep a working flashlight in the trunk; as you’ll never know when you’re going to have to change a tire on a dark street or highway. Always remember to keep jumper cables in the trunk – you want to avoid being stranded in a car with a dead battery without the materials to jump start it. Keep your gas over the halfway mark as a force of habit, that absolutely reduces the chances of accidentally depleting your car’s gas. Ensure that you have a car jack, the proper tire iron for your vehicle, and a correctly blown-up spare tire. If your area gets especially cold during the winter, it couldn’t hurt to have a certified mechanic look at your car to make sure that everything is working correctly. Ideally, if there’s any problems found, you would get them taken care of before being caught driving in an unpleasant weather event, when it might really affect you. By following active awareness and preparation, you can avoid having to spend even more time, effort, or money if your vehicle suffers a breakdown.

Careful Practices

Whenever any bad weather event occurs – be it a blizzard, hail, frozen roads, or a rainstorm – one of the most important defensive driving techniques one can adopt is to drive slowly. By driving at a slower speed, you’re increasing the amount of time that you will have to react in case you come into/across some kind of accident. Also, if you’re driving slowly, and keep a large space between your car and the other vehicles that are driving, you’re going to have a much lesser chance of bumping into the back of one of them if they suddenly break. If the roads are incredibly slippery, one thing you should do is keep the brakes lightly applied while driving at a slow pace – for extra traction.

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Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

preparing venhicle for winter

The harsh weather of winter can be rough on vehicles. It’s important, for your own safety, and the safety of your car, that you prepare for the icy road that lies ahead of you. The intense cold of winter can take its toll on the internal mechanics of cars. If you don’t want to be caught unprepared, it’s important to inspect and repair your vehicle before it gets as extremely cold as it normally does in the middle of winter. Here’s a list of tips you can follow to keep your vehicle prepared and ready.

Have Ice Tools Ready

Leave ice scrapers and snow brushes inside the house if an overnight storm is predicted. This will allow you to remove ice and snow without having to open your car, which, when frozen, can be quite an arduous task. By keeping window and lock de-icers inside the house, you can rest assured that you’re fully prepared to uncover your vehicle from the frost.

Make sure Windshield Wipers are Operating

Effective windshield wipers should be able to clear the windshield in three swipes. If this isn’t happening, and cleaning the blades doesn’t help, you should replace the blades. Winterized blades prevent snow from jamming within the center of the blade itself and are ideal for snowy conditions. Refill washer fluid frequently. You don’t want to wait until you’re out of fluid to notice that your windhield is caked with frozen salt. You additionally want to utilize the defroster to keep the fluid from freezing inside the cold. The inside of the windows should be kept clean to reduce the forming of surface fog, as well as speeding defogging. By using the air conditioner with the heat on, you can quickly defog windows.

Make sure that your antifreeze is really freeze proof

Engine coolant or antifreeze should also be tested to make sure that it’s protected from freezing. If it looks old or has been there for over two years, change the antifreeze to restore the working order of the car’s rust inhibitors and water pump lubricants. By performing a professional power flush, you’ll remove any dirt that may cause water pump trailer.

Change engine oil

As it gets colder, the thickness of oil becomes crucial. Oil without a “W” in it’s thickness rating (like 5W-30) could make the engine crank up too slow. By checking your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil thickness for cold weather you can be prepared. Automotive transmission fluid should always be full, not leaking, and should never looked singed, brown, or burnt. Transmissions are strained in the cold – make sure to change your transmission oil before it gets cold to prevent problems.

Make sure lights are in working order

High beams, brake lights, and turn signals should be working properly, and headlights should be able to be aimed correctly. For maximum visibility- and safety – keep the lights clean.

Let your Tires tread well

All tire treads should have at leas ta 2/32’’ depth in their grooves. If the tire tread is wearing differently between the edges, sides, and middle groove, check the tire pressure. If one side is wearing faster than the other, it’s time for your car’s wheels to be realigned. The deeper the grooves of the tread, the better traction you have in snow or ice. Tire chains are also recommended.

Check your brakes and exhaust system

No matter the climate, brakes should be checked at least twice a year to ensure safety. This maintenance is best done before Winter and Summer, just to avoid working in extreme temperatures. Exhaust systems should also be inspected and primed – these systems can be extremely dangerous when not working correctly – especially if one’s stuck in snow or ice. By regularly checking your car’s systems, you’re ensuring your safety, and the lasting longevity of your vehicle, no matter the weather.

 

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