Winterizing a Car
The Better Business Bureau offers tips for those living in harsh winter weather
conditions on how to winterize their car this month, before driving conditions become
hazardous.
Proper car maintenance is a clear benefit. Installing a clean air filter and driving
on properly inflated tires can improve a car's gas efficiency, saving money at the
gas pump.
To help vehicles make it through winter's worst, the BBB recommends the following
measures:
- Read owner's manual to make sure the vehicle is up-to-date on recommended maintenance.
The battery should be in top condition as it takes more power to start cars when
it's cold outside. Are the cables clean of corrosion or dirt and the connections
tight?
- Make sure the cooling system is working efficiently. Flush and refill the radiator
and add anti-freeze if necessary.
- Be sure tires (including the spare) are in good condition and properly inflated.
Thin or uneven tread wear can be very dangerous in winter weather. Also check brakes
and brake fluid level.
- Change oil and oil filter. Check owner's manual for the different grades of oil
that are recommended for winter. Maintaining a full tank of gas and adding a de-icer
to fuel can help keep moisture from forming.
- Have a professional inspect and replace the air filter, rubber hoses and drive belts.
Old, damaged or loose hoses and belts can pose a danger in severe weather conditions.
- Inspect headlights and flasher hazard lights and check the wipers and washers to
make sure they are in good working order. Fill washers with windshield washer fluid
that is appropriate for cold weather. Consider switching to winter wiper blades,
which function well under extremely cold and snowy conditions.
- Be sure the heater, defroster and exhaust system are working properly. Make prompt
repairs, if needed.
- Equip each family vehicle with winter safety supplies, including an ice scraper,
spare bottle of washer fluid, battery jumper cables, warm clothing, first aid supplies,
flares, blankets, flashlight with spare batteries, a small shovel, some sand for
traction and bottled water and high-energy snack bars. Encourage family drivers
to always travel with their cell phone.
- The BBB suggests that it is probably best to engage the services of a reputable
auto repair shop to perform these procedures. Ask friends and family for recommendations
and check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bosbbb.org) for a shop's reliability.
Look for auto repair facilities that display certification such as the Automotive
Service Excellence Seal, which certifies the competency of auto technicians through
a series of standardized exams in different specialties (brakes, transmissions,
engine repair, etc.).
This information is provided by the Better Business Bureau Inc., serving Eastern
Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont. For information, call Paula Fleming, vice president,
508-652-4808, ext. 4855, e-mail pfleming@bosbbb.org or visit www.bosbbb.org
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