As the colder months approach, it can be easy to forget that our cars need some extra attention before the temperature starts dropping and snow falls. Winter weather can be very tough on our vehicles, and the last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of the road during a snowstorm because you forgot to check your tire pressure. If you live in a climate where temperatures drop below freezing, it’s time to make sure your car is ready for the snowy and icy roads.
I consulted Family Handyman’s automotive expert, Bob Lacivita, for the most important things to do to winterize your car. He mentioned that Your vehicle is usually your second biggest investment, and if you plan to keep it more than five years, maintaining your car or truck is critical, especially if you live in climates where temperatures can remain below freezing or in the 90s for days. But the ice, snow and fridge temperatures of winter are particularly hard on our vehicles, and the reason prepping for winter is essential.
You don’t need a professional mechanic to inspect everything on your vehicle, but it can be challenging to properly inspect certain components like belts, hoses, and brakes. If you’re unsure, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to ensure there are no serious issues.
Test car battery
In cold temperatures, the battery’s chemical reaction slows down, making it harder to stay fully charged and deliver enough power to start the engine. It’s important to test the battery’s voltage to see if it needs to be replaced. To test your car battery, set your multimeter to read volts. When the engine is off, touch the red lead of the multimeter to the positive battery terminal and touch the black lead to the negative terminal post.
Your reading should be between 11.9 volts to 12.8 volts. If you run the same test with the engine running (the alternator is then charging the battery), your reading should be in the range of 14.1 to 14.6 volts. A car battery typically lasts around 50,000-60,000 miles. In colder climates, it may need to be replaced before 50,000 miles.
Tip: Keeping the battery terminals clean and secure is essential for getting the most out of your car battery.
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