Micheal Telvi of Dix Hills, NY - Auto Mechanics tips for winterizing

As winter approaches and the weather gets cooler, now is the time to prepare your vehicle for the change of seasons. Just as vehicles need special preparation for the extreme heat of summer, so do they need extra protection from the cold, wet, and snowy weather of winter.

Now is the time to set aside an hour or so to perform the following simple car care steps; doing it now will give you peace of mind knowing you will avoid the stress of a breakdown on a wet or snowy day.

Battery: A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. Extreme temperatures can take their toll on your battery’s power, so if your battery is more than three years old, it may be time to consider replacing it before Jack Frost sucks the last of the life from it. Also be sure the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free to ensure full-strength winter starts. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace weak batteries.

Windshield wipers: Wipers that are worn or torn, or that chatter and creak when wiping will be useless when the rain or snow falls. Replace them now to ensure clear visibility regardless of the weather. While you’re at it, top off your washer fluid and add a de-icing solvent if you live in especially cold climates.

Tires: Check your tire pressure and tread depth. As temps drop, so does the pressure in your tires—typically 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Your vehicle’s correct tire pressure should be listed on an informative tag within the driver’s doorjamb; if it’s not there, look in your owner’s manual. Underinflated tires provide less traction, can reduce fuel mileage, can wear out prematurely, and can suffer compromised durability. Check your pressure at least once a month to ensure you’re driving on properly inflated tires.

Depending on the conditions in your area, you may want to swap into winter tires; if not, ensure you have a safe tread depth for your road conditions. If rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32″ of remaining tread depth. To check, TireRack.com suggests you place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Washington’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 4/32″ of tread depth remaining. If sleet, slush, and snow-covered roads are in your future, replace tires when they reach approximately 6/32″ of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. To check, place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered by the tread, you have more than 6/32″ of tread depth remaining and should be safe for any sort of winter road conditions.