9 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter!

Is your vehicle “winter ready?” Here are a few suggestions from ArborMotion’s technicians to help you prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter months…

1) KEEP GAS IN YOUR TANK – Keeping your gas tank filled at least halfway during the winter is highly recommended. This will help to prevent moisture from developing condensation inside of the gas tank which can lead to “fuel line freeze-up.” Also, there is always the possibility of your car getting stuck in the snow or in a traffic jam. And if you want to keep your vehicle’s heat on while you wait, then you will need to have plenty of gas in your tank.

2) WINDSHIELD WIPERS – Properly functioning wipers and blades are absolutely essential for winter driving. You know when that dirty road slush gets thrown onto your windshield thanks to those extra considerate drivers speeding by? Be sure to check your windshield wipers and blades before the snow hits, and keep an ice scraper in your vehicle as well. Did you know that it is generally recommended that wiper blades be replaced every 6 months?

3) TIRE PRESSURE – The pressure inside of your tires is affected by the temperature outside of them. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly as a temperature drop will also likely cause a drop in your tire pressure.

4) CHECK YOUR BATTERY – Batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, and tend to fail in very cold temperatures. Cold temperatures actually reduce a car battery’s cranking power. “In fact, at about 0°F, a battery has only about half of the cranking power that it has at 80°F.” (ArborMotion will check your battery at no charge).

5) CLEAN OIL – While regular oil changes are vital for proper vehicle maintenance, you especially want to be sure that your oil is clean during the winter months. “Motor oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over,” and dirty oil does not lubricate your engine’s parts as well in colder temperatures. Don’t forget about your oil changes in the wintertime!

6) WINTER TIRES – We don’t say “snow tires” anymore because it’s not just a matter of snow on the roads, but also how well the rubber component of the tire performs in cold temperatures. Winter tires are a good idea for all Michigan drivers. 

7) WASHER FLUID – Poor visibility due to a dirty windshield is a road safety hazard, so don’t forget to fill your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare jug of washer fluid in your trunk. After all, your brand new wiper blades will not be able to do their job without adequate washer fluid. (Don’t let yourself be that person on the side of the road throwing snow onto your windshield in order to clean it off).

8) COOLANT – Have your coolant level, concentration,  and condition checked by a technician prior to the winter months. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water is usually recommended, which is normally good to -35°F. A coolant flush is also recommended every two years by most auto manufacturers.

9) EMERGENCY KIT – Be sure to keep some supplies in your vehicle for winter roadside emergencies. We recommend the following items: blankets, hats, gloves, socks, boots, snacks, road flares, a small snow shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, kitty litter, tow rope, etc.

If you have any questions regarding your vehicle’s preparedness for winter driving, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (734) 761-1088.