Your Winter Safety Checklist
No doubt about it, winter driving in cold climates presents challenges that high temperatures found in warmer weather doesn’t. The last thing you want to worry about is your car breaking down in freezing winter weather temperatures, so we’re proud to present a few things to pay attention to when it comes to your vehicle and winter.
1. Coolant Levels
We tend to think of coolant as anti-freeze in winter, but what that liquid in the cooling system of your radiator does is cool down your heat-generating engine. It’s important that your coolant doesn’t freeze in sub-freezing temperatures, so make sure you have your coolant levels checked and that you have the correct water/coolant mix.
All Pro Servicenter Fun Fact: By the way, the “coolant” is also responsible for transferring heat from your engine to warm the cabin.
2. Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
You have to be able to clear your windshield so you can see things in inclement weather. Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is filled with fluid that is designed to stay liquid in extremely cold weather and the windshield washer fluid won’t freeze on contact with the glass. Special winter windshield wiper blades can also help you see.
All Pro Servicenter Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the rear wipers!
3. Tire Pressure and Tread
When the temperatures plummet, so does the inflation pressure in your tires. Make sure they are inflated properly to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Using a properly functioning tire pressure gauge and making sure the valve stem isn’t leaking is also important.
All Pro Servicenter Pro Tip: You also need enough tread to help avoid loss of control on slick roads, so have the depth checked to make sure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications as well as any local regulations. Proper tread can also help with your fuel economy!
4. Proper Engine Oil
If you want to avoid that Check Engine Light, make sure you pay attention to your oil. You’ve probably seen those numbers on the side of engine oil containers but maybe didn’t know what they meant. The manufacturer has specified oil characteristics for your vehicle: the correct oil will protect your engine in cold conditions – using the wrong oil specifications can result in engine damage. This is true for conventional oil, synthetic motor oil, and full synthetic motor oil.
The Service Advisor at your All Pro Servicenter will be able to help suggest options for each of these four winter driving checklist items. The better prepared your vehicle is to deal with the snow and cold, the better your vehicle will run, and the safer you and your family will be.
All Pro Contact Info:
Stop in and say hello!
1121 Railroad Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Give us a call: (515) 453-8439
