As winter approaches, you adjust your lifestyle by selecting winter needs such as warm dressing and snow boots. Similarly, it is important to prepare your car for the winter to achieve safe, trouble-free and comfortable driving. Regular pre-winter inspection and maintenance spares you the expense of major repairs, saves you money and adds trouble-free years with peace of mind safe motoring.
The snow, ice, salt, cold temperature and blustery weather can affect your car’s performance, road and driving conditions. So, it is important to check your car for SPA – Safety, Performance and Appearance inspection. This will also help to increase the longevity of your car and safe driving during the winter season. A good place to start any inspection and maintenance is to consult your owner’s manual and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggested preventive maintenance schedule.
SAFETY FIRST
Check all tires (including the spare) for air pressure, leak, tread, depth and condition. Replace worn-out tires as they are equally unsafe during rain. Winter tires are highly recommended for 7°C and below because they are significantly softer than all-season tires and provide better traction and grip on snow/icy road conditions.
Check tires for balance and alignment to improve the longevity of the tire for safety and fuel economy. Check the spare wheel jack and essentials tools to change a flat tire in an emergency. Keep a basic winter emergency kit such as battery booster, flashlight, snow brush, salt bag or sandbag, shovel, tools, first aid kit and a charged cell phone to use in case of a road emergency.
Take a break to test your brakes for safe stopping, especially during rain. Stopping on wet roads can take four times the normal distance it takes on dry roads and 10 times longer distance on an icy road. Unsafe brakes and tires are among the major root causes of auto accidents.
Check the brake oil for level and condition. If it is low and the brake pedal is spongy, consult your dealer/auto shop for complete brake safety inspection. While your car is in the shop, ask for another safety check-up, including shocks steering/suspension for proper safe operations. Do not drive with unsafe/defective brakes.
Driving with a clean and clear windshield is critical not just for your safety, but also for the safety of others. At the speed of 90km∕h, your car covers nearly 90 feet per second and 90% of driving decisions are based solely on vision. Check your wipers and washer system for proper windshield cleaning operations. Use only washer fluid rated -35°C for winter. Replace wipers that have been worn down. Check your windshield for any dings or stone chips and fix it before it cracks. Check the windshield defrost system for clear vision. All windows and side view mirrors must be free of ice/snow for clear rear vision.
Make sure all lights are operational and replace bulbs if needed. Pay close attention to headlights, brake lights and indicators lights because these are most important for your safe driving. The warning lights include the engine check, service, temperature, oil pressure and brake oil/ABS, VSC lights. Confirm all switches and controls for proper operations.
PERFORMANCE INSPECTION
The engine is the heart of your car and oil is its blood. Check your engine oil for level and condition. If due for an oil change, make sure to replace with the winter-rated oil according to your car maintenance/manual schedule. Check engine for tune-up if due to avoid hard starting and to improve gas mileage/engine performance. Check all fluids for condition and levels.
Avoid rapid start-and-go practice when the engine is cold. Warm up the engine for a few minutes depending on the temperature outside or use an engine block heater to speed up warmup time. This will reduce engine wear, and it also enhances the de-frosting process to keep windows clear for safe driving.
Check the battery for condition and cranking power. If the battery is low and slow, this is a sure sign that it is draining and may die at any point. The battery is the heart of car’s electrical system and because it will face harsh/chill winter, it can lose its power.
Make sure to check the coolant/antifreeze rating inside reservoir bottle when the engine is cold. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot because it may cause severe body damage due to high temperature and pressure. Replace coolant, if it is due. Always use the recommended coolant which has a higher antifreeze rating for winter at least -40°C and higher boiling point temperature rating for summer. Check radiator and water pump for any leak under pressure. Check all coolant rubber hoses and drive belts for wear, cracks and adjustments. These rubber parts wear out with age and mileage. Check thermostat and radiator cap to enhance heating system and replace these parts if over due to avoid unexpected break down.
Use only recommended octane and brand-name quality gas and keep at least half level to avoid excessive moisture/condensations in the gas tank. Use gas line antifreeze to avoid cold hard starting.
APPEARANCE INSPECTION
Rust is the root cause of your car’s skin cancer and culprit of car’s appearance. Salt is used on the road to melt ice and snow for safe driving, but on the other hand it speeds up the oxidation process by acting as a rust catalyst. It is highly recommended to have your car rustproofed to maintain your car’s appearance. Touch up all stone chips before they become larger and create rust spots. Salt can accumulate underneath your vehicle on rust spots as well as inside carpets. Use genuine rubber winter mats to protect floor carpet and sheet metal under.
Wash and clean the exterior of your car regularly and pressure wash underneath to remove salt residue and clear all drain holes under the doors. De-ice locks and lube latches/hinges. Lubricate all rubber/ weather door seals. Consider applying a polish or wax to the exterior of the car to enhance its good look.
And park your car in the garage, if you have one, to keep your car out of snow.
Mohammad (Dr. Shah) Shahzad has embraced his pride and passion with the Canadian automotive industry since 1970. He is graduate in Automotive Business Management and certified in Customer Relationship Management. He has generously shared his expertise as a “Car Doctor” in automotive safety and preventive maintenance through TV, radio and print media, and has published the ebook The Problem Solver. His email address is [email protected].
