What are Some Ways to Winterize My Car?

From changing leaves to football games, family gatherings, and more, fall is a season to enjoy cooler temperatures before winter arrives. It’s also a time to give your car extra attention to get ready ahead of winter weather. Preparing your vehicle for winter will help you stay safer on the road and can help protect your vehicle from unnecessary damage. What can you do to prepare your car for winter weather?

1. Clean Your Car

During winter, grit, salt, mud, and more can build up on the outside of your car. These can wear down the paint job, and they can even lead to rust. Before the first freeze, make sure the outside of your car is clean and free of grime.

2. Apply Wax

Wax does more than make your car shine. It adds a layer that helps protect your car’s paint job from dirt and debris. This is something you can do at home for under $20.

3. Apply a Glass De-Icer

Scraping ice off the windshield in freezing temperatures is no fun. You can reduce ice buildup by applying a mix of three parts vinegar to one part of water today. You may still have to scrape ice off your windshield, but it should be much easier to do.

4. Look at Fluid Levels

Your car needs a variety of fluids to run properly. These include coolant, oil, and more. When you take your car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to check the coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and more.

5. Check the Antifreeze

Antifreeze lowers the temperature that the engine’s parts will freeze at. Before winter, check your car’s antifreeze level, and make sure it’s in good condition.

6. Look at the Hoses and Belts

Your mechanic can also give your belts and hoses a quick inspection. By looking at them now and replacing cracked and worn hoses, you reduce your car’s risk of breaking down in bad weather.

7. Check Tire Pressure

As temperatures fall, the air pressure in your tires decreases. You should check and adjust your tire air pressure several times during fall season to ensure they remain properly inflated when winter rolls around.

8. Install New Wiper Blades

People tend to use their wiper blades more during fall and winter as rainy, icy, and snowy weather conditions set in. Wiper blades are important for keeping your windshield clear, so you can see the road. Consider replacing them before winter.

9. Replace the Air Filter

Your car’s heater does more than keep you warm when it’s cold out. It’s also responsible for defogging and defrosting the glass. To keep your car’s heater running smoothly, you should replace the air filter before winter.

10. Check the Heater

Turn on your car’s heater. Make sure that the system is blowing hot air. You want to make sure there are no issues before temperatures drop and you really need it.

11. Look at the Battery

Pop open the hood, and look at the battery connections. Be sure to remove any corrosion you notice. If your battery is more than a couple of years old, you can also take it to a service shop to have your battery power tested.

12. Put Together Your Emergency Roadside Kit

If you don’t already have an emergency kit for your car, you should put one together. If you have one from last year, you should spend a few minutes checking the items in your kit. Keep it stocked with items like a flashlight with good battery power, blankets, food and water, a first aid kit, flares, and more.

13. Consider Upgrading Your Vehicle

Is your car is on its last leg? Are you worried about getting stranded in winter weather? Consider upgrading your vehicle to something safer and more reliable. At CarHop, we have dozens of locations across numerous states with a wide selection of used vehicles available. We can even help you get approved for financing. Contact us for assistance today.