Winter is the enemy of the car. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust, and gravel pits the paint. The following are some easy steps to help your vehicle weather the storms of winter.
1. Consider using snow tires: If your tires are worn or if they are high-performance or all-season tires, braking, acceleration and handling will suffer on slippery roads. Because of reduced vehicle capabilities, the likelihood of skidding (and possibly crashing) increases. All-season tires will work to a certain point, but their effectiveness depends on their tread depth.
If you have the cash, consider buying a set of winter tires, which are designed to provide maximum traction in snow and ice. You might also consider getting a dedicated set of rims for your winter tires so you don't have to remount them each year.
2. Check your tire pressure: Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. Properly inflated tires will guarantee the best possible contact between the tire and the driving surface. In winter's lower temperatures, however, the cooler air contracts, and the air pressure in your tires can drop. That's why it's advisable to do a check for proper inflation as fall turns to winter, and then continue to check periodically throughout the season. Proper inflation also saves money because it minimizes tire wear. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressure, or look for the sticker in the driver side doorjamb.
3. Review the use of your four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system: A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel-drive (4WD) or full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems, which improve traction in slippery conditions. Since most people don't use their 4WD systems during the summer, it's a good idea to review how they work. You should consider checking the owner's manual to learn the different driving settings and when to use them. The owner's manual will state at what speeds and in what environments you should activate 4WD.
All-wheel-drive systems, on the other hand, are usually automatic. If your vehicle loses traction, the system automatically engages, supplying power to the wheels that most need it. Again, review your owner's manual to see how your system performs.
4. Consider using a different oil in the winter: When winter arrives and the temperature drops, the oil in your car will become thicker. This means the engine may be harder to start, and the oil won't circulate as well during the warm-up process. To solve this wintertime problem, some engines might perform better with a thinner oil. This may be more of an issue on older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that's thin enough to withstand the winter. To determine the best type of oil for your car in winter, read the owner's manual. It will list the manufacturer's oil recommendations for different climates. If a dealership or local garage performs the oil change, check with the manager beforehand to make sure the desired oil type and viscosity is available.
5. Inspect the belts and hoses: Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn't mean they don't die. Cold temperatures can split hoses and break belts, so have them inspected before winter starts. Replace anything that looks marginal so you won't be stranded in a blizzard by the side of the road.