Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle. Drivers Ed Courses, Traffic School Courses and more.

Tips For Winterizing Your Vehicles

You wake up to the sudden realization that you’re running late for school or work. You quickly get ready and rush out the door, but your car is covered in a sheet of ice. You immediately pop the keys in the ignition, and then wait for the heat to defrost the windows. As you wait, you grab your ice scraper and get to work. Finally, you’re ready to go, but you are freezing and the car’s metal is stiff and creaky! At that moment, you wish you would have allowed more time to let the car run to warm up. But are there other things you should be concerned with when it comes to making your car reliable and safe during winter months?

Here are 8 tips for “winterizing” your vehicle:

Check your oil. Winter-grade oil will not thicken in colder temperatures, taking a toll on the engine. Look for a multi-viscosity oil with a “W” in the index, such as 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. This will keep your engine and car running smoothly through the colder months.
Check your battery. We all know that cell phone and tablet batteries are drained in cold temperatures. This is true of the car battery as well. However, the battery is essential to starting your vehicle, so keeping your battery at a good charge will help your car start and run at optimum power.
Check your coolant. A 50/50 antifreeze/water mixture will keep your engine from seizing up. In colder climates, you can even use a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio in favor of antifreeze to keep your engine running smoothly.
Check your tires. Tire pressure and tire tread are both essential to keeping you safe on the road, especially if it’s slick. Look to your owner’s manual or for a sticker on the driver’s side door for your vehicle's proper tire pressure level. Do your best to keep it at that level, as your tires’ pressure decreases more quickly during winter months. Whether you choose all-season tires or switch to winter tires, make sure your tires have less than 4/32 wear in the tread to be able to stop safely. Having a set of chains in the car may also be beneficial for emergency situations.
Check your headlights. Snow, dirt, and grime in your headlights can make it harder for you to see the road ahead of you. Most auto stores sell headlight restoration kits. Avoid using make-shift alternatives like toothpaste, which can damage the headlight lens and make the problem worse.
Check your brakes. Snow, moisture, and salt leads to rust. Rust in the brake pads or rotors lead to dangerous conditions where you may not be able to brake in time. Be alert to sticking brakes and strange noises from your brakes. When driving, also avoid risk by braking early and gently rather than slamming on the brakes, which can cause you to skid.
Check your windshield. Add a hydrophobic repellant to your windshield to make scraping easier. Make sure the windshield is clean and dry before applying. Never add hot water to a freezing windshield as it can cause it to crack.
Check your Emergency Kit. A winter weather emergency kit will include the following: a bag of abrasive material or traction mats in case you get stuck; ice scraper with a brush; jumper cables; enough gloves, hats, and blankets for everyone in your car; first-aid kit; snow shovel; flashlight with extra batteries; window washer solvent; cloth or paper towels; warning devices such as flares or triangles; drinking water, non-perishable snacks, extra clothes, basic toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench; as well as a car charger for your cell phone so you can reach out for help from friends, families, or AAA

Even if you live in an area that experiences mild winters, it would still be beneficial to check the basics to keep your vehicle running smoothly through colder temperatures.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

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