Winter Car Prep Tips to Save Money This Season, by WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7 on YouTube. 2 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your tyre tread and pressure. Cold air lowers pressure, so inflate tyres to the figure on the door jamb sticker and replace any tyre below the legal tread limit.
Test the antifreeze with a tester. It should protect down to well below freezing. Top up or have the coolant changed if the reading is weak.
Check the battery. Cold weather drains weak batteries, so clean the terminals and have a garage test the battery if it is more than three years old.
Fill the washer fluid with a winter mix rated for low temperatures. Summer fluid freezes and can crack the reservoir.
Replace worn wiper blades and check that the heater and defroster blow hot air on the windscreen.
Inspect the brakes and top up the oil and other fluids. Look for worn pads and any leaks under the car.
Pack an emergency kit in the boot: blanket, torch, jumper cables, gloves, a small shovel and a bag of grit or sand.
Keep the fuel tank at least half full so you are not stranded and the lines are less likely to freeze.
Tips and common mistakes
Never mix different types of antifreeze without checking the label, as some do not work together.
Check tyre pressure monthly in winter because it drops about 1 psi for every 10 F drop in temperature.
Do not use hot water to clear ice from the windscreen, as the glass can crack.
Questions
How often should I check my car in winter?
Check tyres, fluids and lights once a month through the cold season, and before any long trip.
Do I really need winter tyres?
All-season tyres work for most drivers, but winter tyres grip much better on ice and snow if you drive in harsh conditions.
What should go in a winter car kit?
A blanket, torch, jumper cables, gloves, an ice scraper, a small shovel and grit or sand for traction.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
