Overview:
This project will show you how to winterize your car. The cold weather is coming - get your vehicle ready for winter now and avoid headaches (and costly repairs) later.
Tools You'll Need:
roadside safety kit
Barbara's Tips:
Air contracts in the cold, so keep an eye on your tire pressure all winter long.
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Step 1: Tune It Up
Take your vehicle in for any regularly scheduled maintenance checks. Have your brakes checked. Have your battery serviced and tested to see how well it holds a charge. Have your tires checked for wear and tire pressure (don't forget the spare.) Check your wiper blades for wear - consider replacing them with heavy-duty winter blades.
Step 2: Fill It Up
Check all engine fluids - motor oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Top off and/or change as necessary. Use the correct fluids. Do not top off washer and coolant fluids with water, as it may freeze. Keep the gas tank as full as possible to reduce the chance of moisture freezing in the gas line or tank. Have anti-freeze coolant fluid checked for freeze temperature and replace if required.
Step 3: Pack It Up
Your Barbara K Roadside Safety Kit, that is. Other items to keep in your trunk all winter include: Blanket, extra boots and gloves, collapsible snow shovel, kitty litter for traction (sand can freeze). And while you're packing the trunk, check your tire-changing equipment. Don't worry about over-packing. It's better to be prepared. Drive safe, drive with peace of mind -you're ready for winter at its worst!
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