Prepping Your Car for Winter

Winter is the toughest time of the year. Specifically, cold weather and automobiles do not play well together, so to speak. Therefore, it is wise to check the operation of your vehicle, and make the necessary repairs before another Ottawa winter arrives. Consequently, owning an automobile comes with the responsibility of maintaining and ensuring the normal function of the vehicle. This means changing the oil, windshield wipers, flushing the radiator, and having the proper amount of anti-freeze solution.

Tires

Additionally, checking the integrity of the wheels and tires on the vehicle is acceptable. This means, also, that having an extra set of wheels with winter tires mounted on them, or being prepared to pay to have the tire switched from regular to winter tires every winter, which is costly. Here in Ottawa most of us understand the importance of having the right tire for the possible road conditions that the change in Canadian weather brings.

The Battery

This is maybe the most important part of all vehicles. Without one, none would function. The winter cold can create problems if the battery is old or not designed to handle prolonged exposure to the extreme cold of the Ottawa winter. This makes it imperative to ensure that the battery in the vehicle is up to date, no older than three years, and that it is rated for cold weather.

All Running Lights

Understandably, the lights on the vehicle are of major importance. They allow driving during periods of subdued lighting, such as, foggy days/nights, and heavy rain/snow, during the dusk and dawn. With today’s modern vehicles the running lights come on automatically once the vehicle starts for most models. Nevertheless, making sure that the head lights, tail lights, turn indicators, and the brake lights all function accordingly and properly will help other drivers see the vehicle as well as allowing the drive to see the conditions mentioned.

All ways check the Fluids

The fluids include the engine oil, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and the anti-freeze in the radiator. The two fluids that have a direct effect on the operation of the vehicle during the winter months are the engine oil and the anti-freeze. If the vehicle has no leaks and there is at least a 50 to 50 mix of water to anti-freeze in the radiator the vehicle should be fine. However, if you are not sure, find an Ottawa mechanic and have it flushed and put in the correct mix per the directions of the brand of anti-freeze.

The engine oil can freeze at extreme temperatures, which is why manufacturers make oils with a variable thickness or viscosity. For example, a car with 40 weight oil may not start as quickly as a vehicle using a 30 weight. Some people use the variable 10 w 30, for example, during an Ottawa winter to help the vehicle start in the colder months. The reason is if the oil is thick and cold, the engine will turn slower putting a higher drain on the battery. This can cause the battery to discharge failing to start the car.

You can consult with Ottawa Car Maintenance Specialists  Jim Dickinson or Sterling Ford to prepare your Car for Winter.