How to Avoid Common Winter Car Troubles
While your car may seem to have a knack for encountering problems at the most inconvenient times, winter is a particularly tricky season. The extreme temperature change and heightened chance for inclement weather can pose problems for your trusty chariot.
If you’re hoping to beat old man winter at his game, the best offense is a good defense. Here are a few of our favorite tips for avoiding common winter car troubles.
Properly Stock Your Vehicle
Don’t be caught short-handed! Having a few trusted tools at your side before embarking on any winter road trip is a best practice we always recommend. Here are a few items to keep stocked in your car:
- Ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Flare or emergency markers
- Blankets
Take Care of Your Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wiper blades will always wear down over time, but when you toss a heaping helping of snow and ice on top of them, matters only worsen. Your blades may crack or peel. Lower the chance of this by flipping your wipers up when parking. And before the weather turns south, replace any old blades and ensure your windshield wiper fluid is fully stocked.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is critical no matter the season, but you’re more likely to face problems when extreme temperature changes occur. Check your tire pressure as the season changes and never hesitate to top off your tires with more air — they’ll need it as winter progresses. If you’re uncertain about the proper pressure, check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Most vehicles have a recommended tire pressure of between 30 and 35 PSI (pounds per square inch), but if you can’t locate your manual, always check with a qualified professional at MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup to be certain.
Go for Winter Tires
If you live up north and are subject to particularly harsh winters, consider a good set of winter tires. Tires designed for the season are optimized for traction and road grip, helping to improve braking performance and granting you greater control while driving.
Check Your Spark Plugs
Don’t hesitate to have your spark plugs checked by one of our skilled professionals as winter approaches. Older spark plugs don’t tend to fare well as the temperatures drop, and you may encounter problems with your vehicle starting if they aren’t promptly replaced.
Gas Up, Charge Up
Whether you have a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric vehicle, you’ll want to ensure you are “topped off” with gasoline or that your EV battery is properly charged at the end of every journey.
Gasoline doesn’t freeze, but the moisture in your fuel system sure can. Keeping your tank full helps combat excess moisture, lowering your risk. And your EV battery? It will typically experience reduced energy storage in the winter months due to the low temperatures. To combat this, the battery self-heats, meaning you’ll need to account for constant battery drain. Mitigate this problem by plugging your EV up to a charger overnight.
Before You Head Out, Plan!
Your safety comes first. Even if you think you’re otherwise prepared for winter weather, check your traffic reports and local weather before any lengthy trip. Leave early to beat an incoming storm front, or consider rescheduling your trip altogether.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Sometimes, you can’t do it all by yourself. At MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup, we’re eager to help prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our trained professionals.