Winter Car Tips

Believe it or not, your car has affects from the cold too. Follow these tips to help you have a safer winter driving season.

First, and this goes for any time of year, change your oil at the manufacturers specified time, generally 3,000 miles. When you have an oil change most technicians also give your car a once over checking tires and belts and fluids. Remember, the oil is the life blood of your car.

Keep your gas tank full. This helps prevent possible moisture build up and also adds a bit of weight to your car which might help you in the snow. Don't let your tank fall below one half.

Replace your wiper blades. There's nothing worse than having no visibility, especially when you're getting the spray of salt up on your windshield. Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid. Carry an extra gallon with you. You go through it much faster in the winter weather due to salt spray.

Check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Make sure that if you don't have actual snow tires on different rims that the radials you have on your car have a good tread. Again, like the oil, keep an eye on the condition of your tires. A good rule is to have them rotated when you have your oil changed this will help prevent uneven wear. Make sure that you have a usable spare tire and you spare hasn't dry rotted.

There are a few things that you should keep in your car for winter driving, an ice scraper and deicer (it's a good thing to keep these things in the house too in case your car is covered with ice when you need to get into it), boots, gloves, a small shovel, sand and a flash light. Always have your cell phone fully charged and with you just in case.

Hopefully these tips will help you have a carefree winter driving experience.
About the Author

This article provided courtesy of http://www.corvette-classics.net>http://www.corvette-classics.net

Written by: Steve Wilcott

Winter Car Care

As the weather turns colder, it is time to think about your car for a second. A little preparation can go a long way to making your winter travels a lot safer. Here is a checklist to get you started.

1.Check the antifreeze. The freezing point can be checked with a simple tool available at any auto parts store. Make sure you check the antifreeze when it's cool. Opening a hot radiator can be a dangerous thing.
2.Check the air pressure in your tires. As the air gets cooler pressure drops in your tires. Maintaining your tire pressures will reward you with higher gas mileage and longer tire life.
3.Make sure you have the following items in your car.
- Ice Scraper
- Salt or sand for traction
- Blanket in case you are stranded and need to keep warm
- Good first aid kit (not just for winter)
- Road flares
4.Check all belts and hoses. As the temperature drops rubber tends to stiffen and break allot easier. Make sure all your rubber hoses and belts are in tip-top shape.
5.Treat your gas tank to a can of gas line antifreeze before the cold weather strikes. The additive will remove any water in the system and prevent your fuel lines from freezing.
6.Check your tires for wear. Make sure you have plenty of tread left to get you through the snow. Nothing is worse than 3" of snow and bald tires.



About the Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com

Written by: Kevin Schappell