Get Ready for Winter!

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As the cold season approaches, there are a few items on your vehicle you need to check and/or replace order to make it safe for winter driving. The most important thing you can do with any vehicle you plan to operate is become familiar with the vehicle, and with the location of certain safety and servicing items.

Items such as the “jack” and lug wrench for changing a flat tire are often never touched until they are needed. This usually presents no problems, however it is possible that the wheels and lug nuts could have been changed to a different size than those originally installed on the car. This scenario could easily leave a motorist stranded on the highway. We’ve assembled the following list that covers most vehicles and situations for your review.

Check the tires and/or replace with snow tires

The minimum tread depth that is considered safe and acceptable is 1/16-inch. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple ways to check tire tread depth. The first, and most accurate way, is to measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge. This method is extremely accurate, however, not everyone has access to this type of gauge.

The second method uses a more commonly available item (just check your pocket!). Simply take a penny and insert into the grooves of the tread, with Abe Lincoln’s head pointing down. If the top of Abe’s head is visible, then the tire needs to be replaced. If the top of Abe’s head is covered by the tread, then the tire should still have adequate tread remaining.

Consider carrying snow chains or cables

If you live in an area with harsh winters, and you decide not to install snow tires on your vehicles, snow chains or cables are a "must have." Because installation depends on the type of chain or cable being used, always refer to the manufacturers installation instructions when installing the chains or cables on your tires.

However, before heading into conditions that would mandate the use of chains or cables, check the fit and function. Typically, the easiest place to do this is on your lawn (to keep your knuckles from getting scraped up) or in your driveway. Verifying the fit before hand can keep you from being stranded in unsafe conditions.

Check the oil level, change the oil as needed

See the manufacturer's service manual for your vehicle for the correct type and weight of oil, as well as the recommended replacement interval.

To check the oil: Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct weight of oil to be used. Add oil as needed, until the correct level is reached.

To change the oil: BE SURE to let the engine cool COMPLETELY before changing the oil. Engine lubricating oil can reach temperatures above 200ºF (93ºC), and can cause serious burns.

• Start by safely raising the vehicle, if necessary, using an approved jack. Once the vehicle is raised, support it in place with correctly rated jack stands. Place an approved oil collection container directly under the oil drain plug. Loosen the drain plug using the correct size socket wrench, until the plug can be easily turned with your fingers.
• Once the plug is loose, remove the plug using your hand. Be sure to keep slight pressure on the plug until all threads have been cleared. Removing the plug this way will keep your socket wrench from getting oil all over it, and will allow you to quickly pull the plug away from the hole once all the threads have been cleared.
• Once most of the oil has drained from the engine, place a new drain plug gasket on the drain plug, and re-install the plug into the oil pan. Be sure to tighten the plug SECURELY.
• Place the oil collection container under the oil filter, and remove the filter with the correct sized oil filter tool.
• Wipe the surface of the engine block (where the oil filter comes into contact with the engine when installed) to remove any dirt, grease or oil.
• Apply a thin coat of fresh oil to the oil filter seal in the new oil filter.
• Fill the new oil filter with fresh oil (Depending on the position of the oil filter when it is installed on the vehicle, this is not always possible).
• Refer to the manufacturer's service manual for your vehicle, install and tighten the oil filter onto engine block with correct amount of twisting force (torque).
• Fill the engine with fresh oil to the correct level.

BE SURE to discard the used oil properly, according to your local city or state regulations.

Check the drive belts and radiator hoses

Make a visual check of all drive belts. Look for cracks, splits, fraying edges or glazing. If any of these conditions are noted, replace the belt.

Make a visual check of all radiator hoses. Look for cracks, splits, pinholes or bumps. If any of these conditions are noted, replace the belt. Squeeze each radiator hose. The hose should feel firm, but flexible. Replace any hose that feels brittle or excessively soft.

Install new windshield wipers approved for winter driving

This is typically a very simple replacement. However, because there are many different styles and sizes of wiper blades, refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle, and the installation instructions included with the new wiper blades.

Check fluid levels (coolant/antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, etc.)

Remove the radiator cap and check that the radiator is filled to the proper level with the correct mixture of water and coolant/antifreeze. Add coolant as needed.

DO NOT add plain water to the radiator except in case of emergency. Plain water will reduce cooling system efficiency, and can cause rusting and early failure of the radiator, water pump and/or engine. Coolant should be replaced in accordance with the manufacturers stated lifespan. Despite retaining its color, coolant can degrade over time and become much less effective than it was originally. An inexpensive tool, called a “hydrometer”, can be purchased at most Auto Parts stores to check the condition of the coolant/antifreeze.

Other fluids, such as windshield washer and brake fluid, are checked by simply looking at the reservoirs and verifying they are correctly filled (see your vehicle’s “Owner’s Manual” for details).

Check the battery

Make sure the battery is clean and free of any corrosion, particularly around the battery terminals. Better yet, have a qualified service technician test the battery (many national Auto Parts chains now offer free battery testing services).

Put together an emergency kit

Consider including items such as: flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares or cones, gloves, a blanket, paper towels, sand/gravel/cat litter (in case you’re stuck in snow), bottled water and non-perishable food. Store the kit in your vehicle in a location that allows for easy access.

Protect your carpet

With winter driving, it’s always a good idea to replace your carpet mats with all weather rubber mats. Not only will they save your carpet mats from damage; an all rubber mat can also be used to kneel on in case of any roadside repair.

Check your vehicle’s 4-wheel drive system (if equipped)

The owner's manual for your vehicle should state at what speed and environment it is safe to engage and operate the 4-wheel drive system. Once familiar with your vehicle’s system, engage and drive in normal temperatures to verify everything is in working order. Also, check the condition of constant velocity axle boots, if equipped. If there are any tears, have the CV joint professionally inspected.

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