Three Ways To Prepare Your Vehicle For The Winter

As the cold weather approaches, you armor your body with heavy clothes, gloves, and even a hat from time to time. Just like your body, your car also requires a little extra care during the winter in order to combat the harsh winter weather. If you neglect to protect your car during the winter, you cannot expect it to function like normal. This is why it is so important to winterize your vehicle so it will last longer and perform better. Here are three ways to start preparing your vehicle for the winter. 

Keep Your Battery Fully Charged

During the colder months, your battery loses power quickly. You can expect half the battery power when the temperature is zero degrees compared to when it is 80 degrees. In order to ensure your battery will power up each and every time you hit the road, you want to give it a quick inspection. If you have a no-maintenance battery, you will want to check the small window located on top of the unit to see that it is fully charged. If the battery is not fully charged, you will need to take it to the mechanic to get charged or replaced. For other types of batteries, you want to check the fluid level. If you notice that the fluid is low, you can add distilled water to top it off. You also want to check that the battery is free of any corrosion. If you see rust around it, you should clean it off and tighten around the connectors. 

Replace Your Wiper Blades

Not all wiper blades are designed to handle heavy snow and ice. Should you find yourself driving in rough conditions, you want to make sure you can see where you are going. During the winter, it is a good idea to have your wiper blades replaced with rubberized blades. These are designed to handle the heavier weight of snow and ice so that you can see better through your windshield. Experts recommend you change your wiper blades every 6 months to a year. If you inspect them and notice they are cracking or tearing, you should replace them immediately. It is important to avoid using your wipers to clear off ice and frost off the windows. Instead, make sure you have an antifreeze agent in your wiper reservoir to help melt any precipitation off the window. 

Check Your Coolant Ratio

The coolant in your engine is not only designed to prevent your engine from overheating, but it can also help protect it from corrosion. Your vehicle requires a specific ratio of coolant to water. For most vehicles, the winter ratio is about 60% coolant to 40% water. You can be sure about your engine's coolant ratio by check your vehicle owner's manual. 

For more help with car issues, contact a local Toyota service.


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