Winter automotive maintenance to-do list
By Jerry Van Raalte

Ah yes, it's coming to that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, and pretty soon the snow will be flying. The cold weather can affect the operation of your vehicle, so it's best to get a few things done to protect yourself and your car from old man winter.

1. Check your antifreeze and make certain that you have the right mixture. In most cases, the proper antifreeze-to-water ratio is 50:50. You can check the antifreeze mix in your radiator using an antifreeze tester.

These are simple to use and are available at auto centres. When adding or replacing antifreeze, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some types are not compatible with one another.

2. Change your oil before winter sets in, and make certain that you're using the right viscosity for your car and the climate where you live.

Engine oil comes in various grades, and the numbers associated with the grades (10W-40, 10W-30, etc.) indicate how thick or thin the oil is. Since colder temperatures will cause motor oil to thicken, it may become more difficult for the oil to circulate properly through your engine. A thinner oil may be in order when temperatures begin to dip. Check your car's owner's manual. It should list the recommended grades of motor-oil for various climates and temperature ranges.

3. Inspect your wipers and fill your wiper-fluid reservoir. Winter is a time when vision safety is especially likely to be compromised. Wipers tend to be less effective in cold weather, and snow, ice and road-salt are all things that can impede your visibility through the windshield. Be sure that you're not caught on the road without wiper fluid. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, you might consider special winter wiper-blades that are less prone to becoming clogged with snow and ice.

4. Check your belts and hoses. Cold temperatures have an impact on the elasticity of the rubber or other compounds used in belts and hoses. Check the condition of yours before winter sets in. Check the overall condition of belts and hoses, look for cracks and splits and be sure that all hose clamps are secure. A long winter's night is no time to be stranded on a roadside with a broken belt or burst heater hose.

5. Have your battery checked. Because cold weather can have a significant impact on your auto-battery's power and how quickly it can be drained, dead batteries tend to be more of a winter phenomenon. Have your battery checked by a professional to be sure that it has adequate charge, and inspect your battery terminals to be certain they are free of corrosion.

While you're at it, you might have your sparkplugs, ignition wires and distributor cap checked other precautions to avoid the frustration of a car that won't start.

6. Pay increased attention to your tires. Reduced traction is one of the biggest factors in winter driving. Making certain that you have good tread and that your tires are properly inflated is always important, but becomes even more so in the winter when slippery road conditions are likely.

Remember that, as temperature drops, the pressure inside your tires may drop as well. Check your tire pressure frequently, and especially before you begin a long trip during cold weather. You may also want to seriously consider having good winter tires installed. Most vehicles come with all season tires, however, they are not nearly as good in snow and icy conditions as winter tires.

7. Make certain your brakes are in good shape. Your car's braking and handling are put to the test even more in winter driving. Have your brakes checked before the really cold weather sets in. If your brake pads are getting thin, replace them.

8. Carry an emergency kit. It's a good idea any time you take a trip, but it's especially important in winter. Suggested items include a flashlight, extra batteries, a change of warm clothes, ice scraper, bag of sand or cat litter, flares or flashing hazard-lights, firstaid kit and jumper cables or a portable battery charger. Other items you should have in your vehicle any time you take a trip: cell phone and road atlas.

9. Make certain your heater is in good working order. Need we elaborate? Don't wait until it's below freezing to find out that your heater isn't working properly. Check it out in advance. And remember that the heater is for more than just comfort. It's also critical for defogging and de-icing functions. If your car has a rear-window defogger, make certain that it is functioning as well.

10. Carry a spare key. Locking yourself out of your car is never fun, and is usually embarrassing, but is especially problematic if the temperatures are dropping and freezing rain is beginning to fall. Carrying an extra key in your wallet or billfold may spare you some serious inconvenience.

Regular maintenance for your vehicle is important year round, however, believe it to be most important for winter driving conditions. At this time of year, many garages offer special deals on winter maintenance packages, so look around, but don't wait too long, the cold weather will be here soon!

If you have a question about any aspect of automobiles, email them to editor@caledoncitizen.com and we'll have an answer for you.