How To Make Sure Your Car Is Prepared For The Worst Weather
(Image: Pixabay)
The weather is showing no signs of getting any better any time soon. Those of you who have suffered from the effects of a hard winter will know that it can wreak havoc on your car. So what do you do to make sure your car is ready for the worst weather and lowest temperatures? Hopefully, this guide should help you figure out just that. From preparation to performance, here’s how to make your car winter ready.
Check Your Antifreeze
The cold can do a lot of damage to your car. Particularly to your engine. Anti-freeze is important in preventing the water inside from freezing It also has the benefit of protecting the engine from erosion and aiding heat transfer. Make sure you check and change your antifreeze. If you can’t get to a garage, you can just as easily do it yourself.
Prepare Your Battery
The cold weather is going to sap a lot of the power straight from your battery if you’re unprepared. Even if you’re not using as much, your battery will suffer self-discharge. Effective battery chargers are almost as useful as buying yourself a new battery and a lot cheaper. Make sure you charge and test it so it doesn’t die and leave you stranded in the middle of the road.
(Image: Pixabay)
Have The Right Tyres
The regular old tyres just aren’t going to cut it in the middle of the winter. Depending on whether you’re suffering from a lot of rain or a lot of snow, you need to have different tyres ready. If it’s rainy and windy, then an all-season tyre might be the choice for your car. If there’s a lot of snow and ice, however, don’t risk it. There’s too much danger involved in choosing anything other than proper tyres. Cheap winter tyres are easily available, so do your research and make sure you’re stocked up.
Always Keep The Tank Over ½ Full
You’ve probably heard that you should keep the tank over ½ full in winter already. Some people might dismiss it as one of those sayings that’s more nonsense than precaution, but that’s far from the case. Condensation was initially the problem, but the fact is that you will need the engine to keep you warm in the case that some other part of the car fails on you.
(Image: Pixabay)
Keep An Emergency Kit In The Car
Hopefully, some of the precautions above has saved you from the probability of getting stranded on the road. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for that worst of possibilities. Even being stranded is a lot less worrying with the right precautions. Make sure your emergency kit has flares, food and a fully charged phone or radio.
Get Your Hands On A Reliable Motor
If your car is all flash or appearances, it’s not going to do you very well. A lot of family cars are designed to be efficient and long-lasting. This also tends to make them the perfect vehicles for surviving the winter. Consider changing your motor if you’re in a colder climate.
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