Patch Picks: Winterizing the Car

1. Get the right kind of oil change. Oil used should have the right viscosity for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it many not do well with keeping the engine lubricated. Check your owner’s manual to learn which old your car needs in the winter.

2. Make sure you can see. When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work well for about a year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. This is key; be sure to fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid.

3. Tune Up the battery. This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs.

4. Check your defrosting and heating units. When the windshield fogs up in the winter, it's because moisture from inside the car condenses on the glass. Defrosters solve this problem by blowing warm, dry air over the glass enabling you to see the road. It's also important to make sure your heater is working as being cold can distract you from driving.

5. Examine your belts and hoses. Cold weather can give your belts and hoses a workout, so makes sure you have them checked for wear and tear.

6. Check your tires. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction. Expect that you’ll lose 1 pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees. If you live in a hilly place that gets its fair share of snow you may want to consider winter tires. 

7. Do you have four-wheel drive? Check the status of your four-wheel-drive system and be sure it’s working correctly. It should engage and disengage easily.

8. Keep your fuel tank full. Cold and constantly shifting temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of a gas tank when very low. If water finds its way into the fuel lines, it will freeze up, blocking any flow of gas to the engine.

9. Make sure your antifreeze mixture is on point. Check your owner's manual to see what kind of coolant your vehicle uses. Ensure it's at the right mixture of water and antifreeze to ensure it won't freeze, even at the coldest temperatures.

10. Prepare an emergency kit. You should always have a handy kit of items in case a blizzard, winter accident or very bad traffic keeps you stuck for a while:

• a blanket
• an extra set of warm clothes
• extra water and food, including hard candies
• an ice scraper
• a small shovel
• a flashlight
• windshield washer fluid
• flares
• jumper cables
• a tool kit
• tire chains
• a tire gauge
• a spare tire with air in it
• a first-aid kit
• a bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter, which can provide additional traction if a tire gets stuck in snow.