Tips for Prepping Your New Car For Winter
It’s that time of year when the last remaining leaves are falling from the trees, temperatures are on a continual decline and snow is popping up in our forecast more than we care to see. With winter right around the corner now is the time when you want to ensure that your home and your vehicle are all ready for the inevitable season that we’ve all been anticipating.
Even if yours is new off the lot, there are things that need to be done to protect your new car for winter, to ensure its longevity and good working condition, and your safety.
Keeping Oil in Check
Cold weather, particularly the kind we experience in Ottawa, can affect the lubrication of your car’s engine. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the level and quality of your car’s oil before heading into winter. Oil tends to thicken in cold weather, so what you are checking for is whether the oil’s thickness and viscosity are not too stodgy, so that it hampers the process of oil flowing at its maximum in the oil filter system. It is best to use multi-viscosity oil that can be used year-round, and performs best in all temperatures. Apart from that, also make sure to check the oil filter system for any cracks, leaks, or oil related contamination in the pipes. If a problem is discovered, have it replaced. Also check for the radiator and heater hoses – they should be firm, but be able to bend when squeezed. If the heater hoses have become brittle, you will want to have them replaced. Issues of contamination and bristling may not be an issue if you’ve invested in a new car for the winter, however, it is still a good idea to keep a check on the oil periodically throughout the season.
Effective Performance of Wiper Blades
Wiper blades typically stay in good working order for six to twelve months, after which time you might want to look into getting a new set. Missed spots on the glass, or streaking is a sign of ineffective wiper blades. With a new car you won’t have to worry about this for up to the first year, however, during winter when your wiper blades are used much more regularly, there are a few things you can do to help them last longer, and stay in the best condition. First, it’s important to clean the wiper’s rubber edge with a clean piece of cloth or paper towel to remove any dust, sand or salt build-up. Also, keep a check on your heaters and defrosters to ensure they are functional to avoid trouble in the future.
Tire Specs
While driving, you need to focus on traction, especially during the winter season as the road conditions will often be wet, snowy and icy. For improved traction, consider investing in winter tires instead of using all-season tires throughout the year. Also, note that the air pressure in your tires is directly proportional to the temperature outside, even for your new car in the winter. This means that as the outside temperature drops below zero, the air pressure in your tires will also drop. In order to maintain the best possible driving traction, ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Accidents can be prevented by following this tip.
Ensure Your Car’s Liquids Are Topped Up
If you’re planning to do long trips and highway driving this winter, even if you’ve purchased a new car for winter, it’s highly recommended that before you set out, you check to make sure all your car’s fluids are topped up – particularly your wind shield washer fluid, which could severely impair your driving vision. Brake, radiator, transmission fluid and oil should be at the optimal level to avoid problems. The last thing you want it to be stranded on a highway or back country road in a snow storm, because of something that could have been avoided.
We hope that following these winter-car-prepping tips will ensure “smooth sailing” for you and your car, from November until April. If you’re considering purchasing a reliable and affordable Honda vehicle for the winter, we encourage you to connect with us today!