Prepare your ride for Old Man Winter

We’ve all stepped outside lately and been body-slammed with the harsh chill of winter weather. Yes, for the next 90 days or so, we will retire to the refuge within our vehicles to brave the outdoor elements. Our vehicles, however, have to take on those elements firsthand, so let’s give them a fighting chance with a bit of preparation.

Exterior

Paint dullness and deterioration has no easy or cheap fix, so you should guard against it before winter sets in. If you have the time and ability, thoroughly wash your vehicle, and apply a coat of wax right now — there are plenty of factors that spell winter woes for paint. Bringing your car to a professional detail shop is a good alternative for those who are unable to do the work themselves, and even a mechanical car wash with a spray wax is somewhat effective in deterring the ravages of winter.

Interior

Moisture and dirt tracked in by snow-laden shoes can ruin auto carpet in no time, and if your floor mats are also made of carpet, they will deteriorate as well. Excellent winter mats made of rubber are available that keep melted snow and ice contained within a tray-like design, and protect your carpet nicely.

Coolant

Or as many like to call it, and more apropos for the season: antifreeze. The green or red stuff in you radiator and cooling system is easily checked for effectiveness. Be sure that you have it tested for freeze-protection to around minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit — that’s about a 50/50 mix of water and coolant. If it is deficient, or has been installed for over three years, a flush and refill is in order. As always, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for change intervals — newer coolants have longer life.

Oil

Clean oil makes it easier for your engine to crank and start during cold weather. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the lowest viscosity range suitable for your vehicle. Oil with a 5W-30 viscosity rating, for example, flows better than oil with a 10W-40 rating in extremely cold weather. Extra engine warm-up time (around one minute before slowly embarking) is a good practice for winter operation.

Battery

Batteries are usually rated to last from 36-72 months, so check to see if yours is near the end of its anticipated life span. If you’ve lost track, or are uncertain of the age, have your battery’s usefulness checked at your favorite shop. When replacing, buy one with a cranking capacity at or greater than your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Cables and terminals should be free of acid buildup or other wear signs such as cracks.

Tires

Winter tire choice is up to each individual driver. Whatever tires you use, I believe should have greater than 50 percent of their tread remaining (usually 6/32 of an inch or more) to offer effective grip on snowy roads. Be certain to check for proper inflation (manufacturers’ recommendation) as well — I just checked tires on my vehicles, and found them to be uniformly 4-6 psi lower than their pressures when filled with “summer air.”

Wipers

Lousy wipers are one of my biggest pet peeves, and from observation, one of the most neglected auto maintenance items. It’s easy to tell when you need new ones — just turn on the swipes during the rain. Good blades make a noise-free swipe, leaving a clear view with each pass. If using your wipers makes it harder to see than when they are off, buy some new ones, and while you’re at it fill your washer fluid with a non-freezing cleaner.

Safety Kit

What you carry with you during winter driving depends on where and when you are driving, but a few essentials come in very handy. An ice-scraper and snowbrush are musts for every vehicle — use them to completely clean your windows of ice, and the rest of your vehicle of snow. It’s even a good idea to brush the snow from your roof, because once the car warms, and you hit the brakes, that snow ends up on your windshield.

A basic tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench) may be helpful any time of the year, along with jumper cables, flashlight, and first-aid supplies. For out-of-town travel, add bottled water, a battery-powered radio, chains, a shovel, and a blanket. These items are sort of like insurance — usually not needed, but invaluable when they are.

Finally, take along a cell phone — a wonderful ally in an emergency — but please don’t gab on it while driving.

Kudos

Please accept this notice as official credit and praise to those who take the time to respond to my columns — I am very thankful for you. To those who have responded, please keep it up, and to those who haven’t, please give it a try. Any driving-related thoughts you send me are quite appreciated — no thought too outlandish, and no unintelligent question.