Whether you’re a car enthusiast, or you’re just a driver, you need to take good care of your vehicle. This means cleaning up the fluids and tires, checking the battery, and digging out the tailpipe. But don’t forget about your emergency kit, too.

Tires

During the winter months, winter car care tires are essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. This includes checking tire pressure and tread, and checking for any unusual damage.

Winter tires are specifically made for harsh winter conditions, and include deep chunky tread blocks. This is a great way to provide better traction on slippery roads. Winter tires also provide braking control, and will allow you to maintain your grip on icy roads.

Winter tires are formulated with a rubber compound that will stay soft and pliable even at temperatures below -22degF. They are also designed to push away ice and snow. These tires are more resistant to cold than all-season tires.

Winter car care tires should be checked more often in the winter than in the summer, and should be inflated to the recommended pressure. This will help your tires maintain their traction on slippery roads and keep your fuel economy at a good level.

Fluids

Having the proper fluids in your vehicle is crucial for winter car care. It reduces the risk of breakdowns, and it helps to keep your vehicle operating smoothly in cold weather.

The first fluid that should be checked is engine oil. This lubricant helps to reduce friction, and it also cools and lubricates engine parts. In the cold weather, the viscosity of oil increases, and it becomes thicker. If you can’t start your car because of low oil levels, it may be a sign of a problem with your engine.

Another important fluid to check is brake fluid. This is stored in a reservoir under the hood. It helps to stop your car when you press the brake pedal. However, if the fluid is old, it may not be working as efficiently.

Checking the battery

Having a properly working car battery is one of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle is safe through winter. Battery health can be tested by using a multimeter. The best time to test your battery is before the winter weather sets in.

A battery’s lifespan is usually three to five years. Its life span can be decreased by factors such as age, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. Battery cells contain a mixture of water and sulfuric acid.

The battery’s lifespan can be significantly increased by taking care of it. For instance, check the battery for corrosion and dead cells. If you haven’t checked your battery in a while, you may want to bring it into a mechanic for a test.

Battery testing is one of the quickest maintenance appointments a car owner can have. Usually, you will only need to turn on the headlights for a few minutes and let the battery do its work.

Emergency kits

Having a winter car care emergency kit is important to keep yourself warm and safe until help arrives. These kits contain items such as water, food, and safety equipment that will keep you comfortable until help arrives.

Keeping your vehicle in good shape is also important during the winter. This includes keeping your wiper blades in good shape. If your car is more than a year old, replace the wiper blades. If you’re stranded, it’s important to have a jack, a tire iron, and a spare tire. These will help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Water is also important to have in your emergency kit. Even if you don’t have to use the water, having a large container is handy for keeping warm. If your car gets stuck in the snow, sand or non-clumping kitty litter can be used to free it.

Digging out the tailpipe

Using a collapsible shovel can do wonders for digging out your car’s tires, if you’re lucky enough to live in a place that has snow. Using a full sized shovel is the safest bet for larger jobs.

The best way to go about this is to get a buddy to help, or better yet, use a tow truck. This way, you can be sure you get the best possible treatment, and your passengers are safe. Also, it’s more cost effective to hire a tow truck for the whole team, and not just the driver. The plows may be out, but you still need to clear the snow from your car.

It’s not just your car that will need winter car care, you’ll also need to prepare your winter vehicle for storage. This includes washing and waxing your car, and closing any doors and windows that may be opened during the winter. You’ll also need to put on winter tire chains before your tires begin to freeze, or else you won’t have traction.