Cold weather increases pressure on vehicle parts because most vehicle fluids are thicker and don’t flow as easily. This can put a strain on your engine, which is why it’s important to assess vital fluids and change them according to the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations. Engine oil is especially important because it reduces friction between moving parts and cleans away harmful contaminants. It should be checked regularly and if recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, changed in preparation for cold-weather. In addition, check your vehicle owner’s manual to see which grade of oil the manufacturer recommends for cold-weather driving. Antifreeze is also important to check since the condition of the fluid has a direct affect on the temperature at which it freezes. Be sure to reference the label on your antifreeze container to confirm the temperature protection will meet your needs based on where you live.

Safety First

Other vehicle parts are also critical for safe winter driving. The battery, wiper blades, headlights and tires should be inspected in preparation for winter driving. Getting stranded with a dead battery or caught in a snow storm with inadequate wipers or headlights can lead to a dangerous situation. The battery should be tested and replaced if necessary. Clean your wipers by running a towel over the blades, and check for cracks and tears. Also, have your headlights inspected by a professional to ensure they are clean and working properly. It’s also important to check out what’s between your vehicle and the road – the tires. Under-inflated or worn tires could cause a vehicle to slip on slick ice, rain or snow-covered roads. Check the tire pressure and fill your tires regularly; your owner’s manual will indicate the proper tire pressure. Please note that your tire pressure will drop approximately one pound per square inch for every 10 degree drop in temperature.

Quick Tips to Beat Winter Conditions

Planning ahead and keeping up with routine preventive maintenance is the best way to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, however, you may still find yourself in some tough situations. Sun Valley Tire & Auto Service offers the following tips for handling unexpected winter driving situations:

• Stuck on Ice? Keep a bag of sand in your trunk in case your vehicle gets stuck on ice. Sprinkle the sand on the ice near and around your tires; it won’t melt the ice but will provide enough traction to help you get on your way.
• Frozen Ice on Windshield or Windows? Ice on your windshield or windows can restrict your vision, so remove it before hitting the road. Take a few minutes to use a de-icer and an ice scraper to say so long to ice. Avoid using hot water; it can freeze quickly and create more ice, restricting your vision even more. De-icing products, such as Rain-X® De-Icer, can be found at most hardware stores and gas stations.
• Left in the Snow Dust? Drivers are sometimes influenced by other drivers on the road. If you find yourself being passed by others who are driving at fast speeds in stormy winter weather, don’t feel like you need to speed up. Continue to drive at a speed you are comfortable with because you’re more than likely going an appropriate speed for the driving conditions and you’ll probably be less likely to slip on the slick, icy roads.
• Looking to Defrost? It can be a dangerous situation when your windows fog up, but don’t panic. To defrost your windows quickly, turn on the air conditioner with your temperature gauge turned to warm and your recycled air button switched off. The air conditioner will pull moisture out of the air and expedite the defrosting process.
• Stranded on the Side of the Road? If your vehicle breaks down or the weather makes it difficult to drive, you could find yourself stuck on the side of the road in freezing temperatures. Be prepared with a fully equipped vehicle emergency kit. Suggested items include a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, extra blankets, gloves and hat, energy bars, duct tape, a can of Fix-a-Flat®, an ice scraper and a hand shovel.

As the temperature drops, Sun Valley Tire & Auto Service is here to help drivers prepare their vehicles for the winter months and potentially treacherous cold-weather driving. More than just a regular oil change, Sun Valley Tire & Auto Service recommends regular Oil Changes as a preventive maintenance offering that helps drivers enhance the reliability and longevity of their vehicle.