How to Winterize Your Car

Keeping your car alive during a cold snap involves more than just crossing your fingers as the thermostat plunges into the low teens.  Careful concern for your car before you hit the road can save you permanent damage and high repair costs.  So take these steps to ensure you have a ride home even when the snow is three feet high. 

Coolant Isn't Just For Cooling

While the coolant sounds like something useful to keep your engine from over-heating, it also acts as anti-freeze that, if used properly, won't freeze until you hit -34 degrees.  Have your mechanic check the coolant or buy a tester ($4.99 at Kragen Auto Parts) to make sure that your anti-freeze mixture is one part coolant (anti-freeze) and one part water. 

A Dying Battery is a Nearly Dead Battery

Finding someone to help you jump your car in a snow washed parking lot isn't easy, so be sure your battery is still carrying a hearty charge.  Getting a battery load-tested will tell you how much charging ability it has left and if it needs to be serviced.  If it's more than four and a half years old, replace the battery altogether (batteries last five years.) 

Don't Burnout Your Rubber

Your tires can be trouble in the snow and cold in a few ways.  First off, cold air contracts which can cause tire pressure to drop, so be sure to check your tire pressure with a gauge and to keep them inflated.  While you're checking tire pressures, pop the trunk and measure the spare in the trunk so that it’s ready in case of emergency.

Also, make sure the treads on your tires are in good condition to handle that slick ice.  If you don't know what good conditioned tires look like, consult a mechanic.  Snow tires are another option and while they're not cheap ($568 for a set of 4 at Tirerack.com) they will save your regular tires from the wear and tear of a torrid winter. 

Check That (Fill in the Blank)

Routine checks can save you from extraordinary disasters.  A few things to have a mechanic look at briefly to make sure everything is up to snuff:
- Brakes (if you haven't had a brake check in six months)
- Four Wheel Drive
- Engine belts and hoses (which can deteriorate quickly in cold weather)
- Heater, defrosters

Oil: Thin is In

The cold weather causes oil to thicken so when you start your car in the morning the oil won't circulate as well through the engine.  The owner's manual should recommend what oil viscosity grade to switch to in a colder climate.  If changing your oil is something you can't handle, you can get a change at a mechanic or lube service shop for $30-$40. 

Wipe Away Disaster

Even if your car has started and is running fine, disaster can still strike if you can't see through the windshield.  Replace your windshield wiper blades with snow blades ($8-20 for a set at Kragen) to keep the ice out of your eyes.  Also, be sure to keep washer fluid in the cleaning reservoir  (not water) because water will freeze. 

Always Be Prepared

Even the most diligent planner and winterizer can get derailed by a patch of black ice on a dark road.  To save this situation from being a total disaster, pack an emergency roadside kit in your trunk.  Be sure to include (among other things) tire chains, blankets, boots, gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight, extra food and water and an abrasive substance like kitty litter or salt to sprinkle on the ice if your tires get stuck.  For those who want a comprehensive kit without having to think too hard, the American Automobile Association (AAA) sells a 63 piece roadside kit for $44.95.