Prepping vehicles for cold weather

Published 2:00 pm Monday, January 1, 2018

VALDOSTA — As the cold creeps in, there are a few steps that can be taken to prep vehicles for the lower temperatures. 

Judy Walker, owner of Walker’s Auto Repair, shared tips for winterizing vehicles for local weather conditions. 

She said the biggest item to check is coolant, keeping it at the right level and quality. Walker said many times car owners add water to their coolant, which degrades the quality. 

“The most important thing for the winter is the coolant,” Walker said. 

She also recommended checking belts, as they can crack in the cold temperatures. However, she said belts, hoses and batteries should be checked year-round, not just during the winter. 

She suggested carrying an emergency kit in the car in the winter. The kit should contain items such as water, a flashlight, blankets and matches or a lighter.

Keeping an eye on tire pressure, as colder temperatures can decrease tire pressure, was also recommended by Walker. 

According to Tire Rack’s Tire Tech information, “Several vehicle manufacturer’s owner’s manuals recommend operating winter tires several psi (typically 3-5) higher than their recommended pressures for summer and all-season tires.”

For icy windows, defrost spray or a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol can be used to melt the ice. A winter windshield washer fluid may also be used to help with frosted windshields. 

Oil is another vehicle fluid that can be changed to accommodate for colder weather. 

Mobil Oil’s online winter tips include a recommendation for fully synthetic oil. The company also suggested monitoring the vehicle battery, as its cranking power can be negatively affected by colder temperatures; batteries four years or older were recommended for a check by a mechanic. 

Kimberly Cannon is a Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.