And yet, winter is the time when your car feels it all: temperatures dropping low enough to freeze water, snowfall, ice and salt that corrode car parts. The safety of a vehicle on the road in winter depends much on how one takes care of it. At Saphiri.co, we know how important it is to have your car in perfect shape especially in harsh weather conditions. In this post, we have outlined very crucial tips for taking care of your vehicle so as to prepare it for winters and protect it from being damaged by cold weather.

1. Examination and Change Tires:

Your tires can make or break you while driving during a cold season like winter.

Winter Tires: For those living in areas with extremely harsh winters, consider changing to winter tires. Winter tires are manufactured using special rubber that maintains its flexibility under extremely cold conditions hence providing better traction on both snow and ice. They also have deeper tread patterns and more sipes (small slits around the tread) for enhanced grip on roads. Remember to mount them on all four wheels for balanced handling and stability.

Tire Pressure: Low temperatures can cause low tire pressures which lead to under-inflated tires. Reduced tire pressure reduces traction causing faster wearing off of the tires as well as increased fuel consumption rates. Always check your tire pressure during winter periods and inflate accordingly with manufacturer’s recommendations. The spare wheel should not be left out either.

Tread Depth: On slippery surfaces, sufficient tread depth is key for maintaining grip on the surface that one is driving on. While minimum tread depth required for winter driving is 6/32 inches; deeper treads are recommended since they provide a better grip. Get a tread depth gauge tool and use it to measure how deep your tire’s treads are before choosing whether or not you need new tires this coming winter.

1. Inspecting & Maintaining Your Battery:

During winters, cold weather is always the cause of battery failure in your car.

Battery Test: Prior to winter, ensure that you have your battery tested and it’s okay. Most auto parts stores offer free battery testing services. For batteries older than three years, you should have them checked since cold weather reduces their capability of holding charge.

Clean the Terminals: Battery terminals corroded with dirt and other elements may inhibit efficient transmission of power. Check for corrosion on your battery terminals; it appears as a white powdery substance. Should you see any, wash it off by applying a mixture of baking soda and some water onto the terminal using a wire brush to remove the build-up.

Battery Replacement: If your battery is weak or failing, consider replacing it before winter. It will be more reliable when starting up in cold weather if you buy a new one. Look for a high cold cranking amps (CCA) rating when purchasing a new battery since this shows how well the battery can start an engine even at very low temperatures.

1. Fill Up & Replace Fluids:

Fluids are necessary for smooth running of your vehicle specifically during winter where extreme temperatures may affect their functionality.

Engine Oil: You car’s engine oil could become more viscous in cold weather, making the engine harder to spin. Check your owner’s manual to know if your car needs different oil grades during winter. If an oil change is due, consider synthetic oils for better protection of your engine as it flows more easily at colder temperatures.

Coolant: Antifreeze or coolant is a must-have in low temperatures to avoid freezing of the engine. It’s essential to check that you have 50% antifreeze and 50% water mixed together? The wrong mixture can cause your coolant not to protect against freezing effectively. Thus, you may need to top up the coolant or ask a professional mechanic to flush and refill your cooling system.

Windshield Washer Fluid: It is advisable that one should use winter-rated windshield washer fluid with antifreeze additives like methanol so that it doesn’t freeze on your windshield. For instance, regular washer fluid can freeze on the windshield or in reservoir leaving you with less visibility. Remember always having full levels of washer fluid in a resevere and extra bottle in case of emergencies.

Transmission and Brake Fluids: Furthermore, cold weather affects transmission fluids and brake fluids as well, making them ineffective as regards their functions. Ascertain these fluids are full by topping them off when necessary hence maintaining their levels at all times just in case they run out unexpectedly during this period. In order for optimal performance throughout winter seasons ensure that both transmission and brake fluids are changed when recommended for servicing purposes.

1. Inspect Your Brakes:

Brakes are critical for safety especially through slippery roads experienced during winter season.

Brake Pads & Rotors – Inspect your brake pads and rotors

Worn down brake pads require replacement if they become less than 1/8 inch thick whereas worn brakes increase chances of accidents on snow-covered roads because stopping power will be reduced under such circumstances.In addition there are other indications of damage on the brake rotors such as grooves and warping causing braking problems.

Brake Fluid – Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time

Change your brake fluid if it is dark or cloudy. Fresh brake fluids keep your brakes working well even in cold weather.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) – Brakes are essential for safety, especially during winter months when roads may be icy.

Make sure that your ABS functions properly; this system helps to prevent wheel lock-up on slippery surfaces during emergency stops, thus ensuring the car remains under driver’s control. Take the vehicle for inspection to a professional whenever you see an ABS warning light come on any time while driving.

1. Prepare Your Windshield and Wipers:

It is important not to have anything hindering your vision while driving in winter because visibility may become limited due to snowing and icing conditions hence a good windshield and wiper maintenance is vital.

Windshield Wipers- Replace them if they are streaking or skipping

In particular, use winter wiper blades since these are specially designed for ice and snow. These wipers have rubber coatings that prevent ice build up for a clean swipe each time.

Defroster/Heater – Ensure that the defroster/heater works fine

Ice breaker and de-icer: Always keep an ice scraper and a can of de-icing spray in your car. These tools are necessary to remove ice and snow from your windscreen, windows, and mirrors before driving. De-icer spray also helps to prevent overnight icing on the windshield.

1. Safeguard Your Car’s Exterior:

Winter conditions can be tough for your car’s exterior; paint and undercarriage suffer from road salt, snow, and ice.

Wash & Wax: Before winter really sets in, wash your vehicle thoroughly and apply a coat of wax. Wax provides protective coverage over your car’s paint against road salt, dirt or similar substances. Remember that you should wash off these salts occasionally throughout the winter season to avoid rusting.

Undercoating: You may also consider applying undercoating or rustproofing spray to the undercarriage of your car. Such a treatment shields the metallic parts of your vehicle against corrosion as well as rust due to contact with road salt moisture.

Paint Protection Film: Another option is applying paint protection film (PPF) on vulnerable areas such as the hood, fenders, and side mirrors of the car. It acts like an extra layer protecting against minor scratches occurring as a result of things like rocks hitting it while on the roads or even salts used for melting snows.

1. Get Ready with an Emergency Kit:

Winter driving is unpredictable so you need emergency preparations at all times.

Essentials: Your winter emergency kit must have essentials such as flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, blankets, non-perishable snacks, bottles water and phone charger among others items. In case there is any breakdown or delay these items will ensure that you remain safe and comfortable during those moments.

Snow & Ice Tools: Apart from having an ice scraper with you at all times, there are other tools one should carry when going out in case there is snow or ice. Such tools include a small snow shovel, traction mats, sand or kitty litter and others that can help you when your car gets stuck in snow or ice.

Jumper Cables: Cold weather is a battery sucker; therefore, placing jumper cables in your winter car survival kit must be on top of your list. Proper knowledge of how to use jumper cables is needed because it will enable you to jumpstart your vehicle as soon as the battery dies.

Roadside Assistance: For people who do not have roadside assistance coverage yet, these services could include towing, tire changes or even jump starts. Roadside assistance saves lives especially at those times when cars break down in extreme winter conditions.

1. Get Ready for Safe Winter Driving:

You need extra caution and care before driving during winter so as to guarantee your safety on the road.

Slow Down: It takes more time to stop when driving in winter conditions due to slippery roads; hence, it’s important to decrease speed and drive at a rate commensurate with the situation on the road. Allow extra time to reach your destination by avoiding sudden stops and sharp turns.

Increase Following Distance: In winter it takes longer stopping distance on icy or snow-covered roads. Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. This should be approximately six seconds according to the rule of thumb.

Use Low Beams: While driving through snowfall or foggy weather switch from high beams headlights to low beams. High beam headlights reflect back off fog or snow reducing visibility whereas low beam headlights provide better illumination and allow you see through clearly over roads

Handle a Skid: If your car starts to skid on ice, remain composed and do not overcorrect it. Steer the car in the direction you want the front end to go and avoid slamming down on the brakes. In case your car is equipped with ABS, apply constant pressure on the brake; otherwise, tap gently the pedal in order to regain control.

1. Protect Your Car’s Interior:

Weather conditions such as coldness, snow or slush can damage your vehicle’s interior so it is essential to protect it.

Floor Mats: Purchase a set of all-weather floor mats that would shield your carpeting from snow, slush and salt. These mats are constructed of durable rubber for easy cleaning that makes them appropriate for winter use.

Seat Covers: Use seat covers to keep off moisture and stains from your vehicle’s upholstery. The water-proof seat covers would be most helpful when you frequently drive in wet or snowy weather.

Steering Wheel Cover: A steering wheel cover made out of warm materials such as neoprene or microfiber can offer better insulation for winter driving along with providing extra grip and comfort during winter driving.

1. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full:

During winter months, a full fuel tank is critical since it will help avoid running out of gas and other potential problems that may crop up.

Stop Fuel Line Freeze: A complete fuel tank helps prevent water accumulation inside the fuel lines leading to blockage arising from freezing at low temperatures. Running your tank above half-full serves this purpose reducing possibilities of line freeze thereby allowing smooth functioning of vehicle.

Get Ready for Emergencies: A full fuel tank ensures that if there is a breakdown or traffic jam you can still keep the engine running while staying warm until help arrives. It is also good have small gas can in trunk so that if required one can fill it again using it.

Winter car care is necessary because it keeps your vehicle operational and secure through the winter months. Make sure you make your car ready for winter to avoid common problems and have peace of mind while travelling. These tips, ranging from checking tires and battery to keep track of fluids and brakes, will enable you to protect your vehicle so it will run well throughout the winter season. We at saphiri.co are here to help you stay safe with our professional advice on everything automotive as well as quality car products. Look through our assortment and choose everything necessary for maintaining your vehicle perfectly fit this winter.