[S1044]Storing Car For Winter

Overall Inspection of the Vehicle

You'll want to do an overall inspection of the automobile. Listed here are twelve things you can check to ensure safe and better driving this winter season.

1.) Windshield ? Every windshield (front and back) suffers from what engineers call ?thermal shock? ? that freezing and then thawing of the glass brought on by colder temperatures and then sudden warmer sun or defrosters. Even the smallest ding or crack in the glass can become a large problem under thermal shock. Repairing a small knick can cost as little as $50, but replacing an entire shield can cost hundreds, not to mention disabling your vehicle for a much longer period of time than a simple repair.

2.) Tires ? Everyone knows that bald, or even worn tires aren't much good on snow and ice. Not everyone thinks to check the alignment of their tires, though. Poorly aligned or balanced tires can be as dangerous as poorly treaded ones. Tires need proper inflation, as well, to get optimum grip while driving on wintry roads. The pressure in your tires drops 1 pound for every 10? F drop in temperature. Check the pressure regularly throughout the winter, especially when the temperature fluctuates significantly. Make sure your spare is in good order, too, as flat tires can occur anytime of the year.

3.) Hoses and belts ? The rubber in the hoses and belts under the hood can suffer from the cold. They should be thoroughly checked for cracks, bulges and splits. Again, this is a simple thing to repair or replace prior to having a problem, but costly to fix afterward.

4.) Fluids ? Any ?car guy? will tell that keeping your fluids at the proper level is one of the easiest, cheapest and best ways to keep your car in tiptop shape, regardless of the weather. Of course, there's the oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze and brake fluid to worry about. Don't forget, though, to check your radiator and battery fluids, too. And make sure you engine coolant is diluted with water to prevent freezing. Last but possibly most important to driver safety is the windshield washer fluid. There's nothing more dangerous than being spattered by slush and road muck by a passing vehicle and not having enough washer fluid to clear your windshield.

5.) Wipers ? Worn windshield wipers can cause dangerous situations year round, but especially so in the winter, when visibility can be poor to begin with due to snow or sleet. Make sure your blades clear their entire path completely. If not, get them replaced. It'll be well worth the small cost in money and time.

6.) Battery and Cables ? Those cold mornings can be murder on older, worn batteries. They usually last only 3 to 4 years under the best of conditions, anyway. If yours is older than that, or you're not sure of the age, either have a mechanic check it or simply replace it. Have the cables and fittings checked, too, for corrosion. Make sure every start is a good start.

7.) Spark plugs ? Bad plugs are no good for your vehicle, or your gas budget, any time of the year. Not only do they waste fuel but they also increase emissions, which isn't good for the environment, either. Do everyone a favor and replace them.

8.) Brakes ? Driving with poor brakes is dangerous enough, without the added dangers of snow, ice and slippery roads. Brakes that pull to one side can actually cause skidding. If your car needs brake work, get it tended to before the cold weather hits. If you can't, it may be best to consider taking the bus.

9.) Lights ? If other drivers can't see you, that's a bad thing. And if you can't see where you are going, that's even worse. Malfunctioning headlights or taillights are another item that's dangerous year round, but doubly so in the winter. Remember when clearing the car of snow and ice before starting on your trip to clear your lights, too, for maximum visibility.

10.) Gas tank ? A fuller tank reduces the risk of condensation forming. Condensation can cause gas line freezing. You can reduce the risk even further by adding gasoline antifreeze periodically throughout the winter when you fill up. A fuller tank also ensures your safety and going power should you get stuck in a traffic jam and have to choose between keeping the car running for heat, or turning it off to not use your last few drops of gas in the tank.

11.) Oil and filters ? Sluggish, dirty oil can make your engine start slower, warm up slower and perform at less-than-optimum in the winter months. An oil change is another quick and inexpensive maintenance task that can be performed by just about anyone. Many of the other checks suggested in this article can be performed by your local grease monkey along with an oil change. While you're at it, check your oil filter, air filter and transmission filter, too. Overall performance can be affected if one or more of these needs replaced.

12.) Exhaust system ? Since winter's cold weather necessitates driving with the windows rolled up tight, a carbon monoxide leak in your muffler or exhaust pipe system can be deadly. A quick check for escaping exhaust will tell you if the system needs repair.

Keeping your car in good running order through the cold months of winter can be simple and easy. Not only will you get there and back easier, but you'll be more confident that your vehicle is performing at its best. Don't let poor maintenance keep you from arriving safely and securly every time.