Winterizing Your Vehicle

Wiper/Washer Check
As for wipers and washer fluid, if your wiper blades are marginal, they probably won't hold up well under the assault of salted-road slush. Most washer solvents are good to 10 degrees below zero, which for most of civilization is adequate. If part of your winter tradition is a trip to the mountains, you may opt for a washer solvent that can handle even lower temperatures. Check to see whether you've picked up a few windshield dings, because this is a good time to have them repaired. The combination of cold air temperature and a warm auto interior can quickly escalate a ding into a serious crack. While we're on the subject of a warm interior, don't forget to check your heater. That way you can find out if it needs maintenance before you really need it.

Battery Check
Now for the battery and charging system. If your battery is within a year of its life expectancy, have it tested. It's far easier to deal with an aging battery on a pleasant fall weekend than a totally dead one in the dreary dark of winter. A weak battery and/or alternator may not be able to deliver the amperage required for a winter-cold start.

Tune Time
If you're due for a tune-up, this is a good time to head to your mechanic. Your vehicle can use all the help it can get during the coming months. A new set of plugs, distributor cap and rotor (if applicable) and ignition wires will give you better, quicker starts.

Belts/Hoses Check
Check all the belts and hoses: Cracked, frayed, or worn rubber may not make it through the winter. Freezing temperatures and winter driving conditions put an added strain on the engine. Plus, a breakdown because of a $10 hose or belt is doubly annoying on a winter night.

Tire Check
Speaking of worn rubber, take a close look at your tread. Driving on packed snow and ice-riddled roads requires as much traction as your tires can deliver. Those who live in the mountains or extreme-winter states routinely change to snow tires for the winter. Most of us don't have to go to that extreme, but if your tires' footprints look thin, a new set is in order. Be very particular when inspecting the tread on the rear tires, at least on rear-wheel drive/front engine vehicles. This is where you really need the grip. Keep in mind that unless you're loaded down with cargo in the trunk or truck bed, there's not much weight back there to help in the traction department.