Winter driving can be a bit of a chore, but drivers can make it less so by properly preparing their vehicles. Some folks have vehicles more well-equipped for winter weather than others, but whatever type of vehicle one has will benefit from at least some of the advice on this checklist.
Emergency Supplies
First and foremost for personal safety, it is a great idea to have some emergency supplies on hand in case one gets stuck in a blizzard or the car breaks down. Always have a blanket, a flashlight and maybe some snacks in case you have to pull over for a while.
Cabin Filter
Changing the cabin filter is a good idea once a year or every 15,000 miles. This will ensure the air circulating through the vents is free of allergens and contaminants while, more importantly, heating the interior reasonably quickly.
Coolant/Antifreeze
Take a peek at the coolant level. This is good to do regularly, but if there is a leak, it can be even more painful to deal with in inclement weather.
An easy indicator of a coolant leak during the winter is if the snow under a car's engine bay starts to look like a colorful but poisonous snow cone. Coolant comes in several colors, so if snow under a car is turning orange, green, blue or purple, then it is time to go to the mechanic.
Battery Health
The winter cold can do a number on a car's battery. If a battery is more than 4 years old, then it may soon be time for a new one. Cold temperatures can drain the battery, making it harder to start, and at the end of its lifespan, this could prevent the engine from starting at all.
At the very least, keep some jumper cables on hand in case you are in a pinch and someone can lend a helping hand.
This next bit of information may be difficult for some folks to hear: while warming up your car for 5 to 10 minutes can make driving in subzero temperatures remarkably more comfortable, it is actually healthier for an engine to reach operating temperature while driving than while idling.
Wiper Blades
Check that the windshield wipers lie flat so they can wipe away ice as the defroster melts it. If they are bowed or damaged, then it is time to replace them. Adding some wiper fluid also doesn't hurt to clear things up, as the temperature difference will help disperse the ice to some extent.
Tires
Check the tires for visible cracks ("dry rot") or leaks, either of which could cause a flat. A leak can be identified at home by covering a tire with soapy water and looking for any bubbles that form.
Keeping a tire's air pressure consistent is important for longevity, so if one keeps going low, it is best to get it addressed before any harsh winter weather. Many modern cars have sensors to alert the driver of a low tire, but it does not hurt to check once a month.
Some drivers may even want to swap to winter tires for better handling on slick roads, but cautious driving is the foremost way to prevent accidents. This is especially true in Michigan, where potholes can be hiding under the snow.
For recommendations on winter tires, try looking at Consumer Reports Online reviews with your Canton Public Library card to compare and contrast different models.
General Care
An overall great resource for all DIY auto repair needs is the Auto Repair Source database. This will tell the user exactly which replacement parts are compatible with their car, along with other specifications. This is especially handy if a car's printed manual has been lost to time.
We hope you find some of these tips useful. Stay safe and be careful out there.
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