Winter Preparedness Tips for Your Vehicle
Cold weather can be hard on your vehicle, especially if it has a faulty battery. As we approach the winter, the Baltimore City Department of General Services’ (DGS) Fleet Management Division reminds everyone to make sure their vehicles are winter- ready. Here are a few items that you should pay special attention to as you winterize your vehicle. Some items you can check yourself, but it is best to have a mechanic inspect and winterize your vehicle for you.
Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle: In addition to a spare tire and other items for vehicle repairs, you should also keep a winter emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle, much like the one you have in your home. Some items to add to the kit kept in your vehicle are: an ice scraper and brush; boots, gloves and a hat; tools and a flashlight with extra batteries; a fully-charged cell phone; tire traction material such as sand or cat litter; a folding shovel; nonperishable food items; water and blankets; jumper cables; a first aid kit and flares or a reflective triangle.
Check the battery: As the temperature drops, your car needs even more power to get it started. Cold temperatures also decrease the cranking power of the battery. The battery and charging system should be checked. If necessary, replace the battery and make any other repairs needed. Be sure the belts are inspected as well.
Check the cooling system: Make sure you have the proper amount of coolant in your vehicle. If the coolant is old, you might need to replace it. Your mechanic can check the strength of your coolant with a hydrometer and tell you if it needs to be replaced. The system should also be checked for leaks.
Check other Fluids: Check your oil, brake and transmission fluids. Follow your owner’s manual directions or have your mechanic do this to be sure these fluids are at the proper levels, including the windshield washer reservoir. During cold weather, your windshield washer fluid should contain the proper winter solvent and not water. Also, check and replace the windshield wiper blades if needed.
Inspect your Tires: Inspect tires for wear and check for proper pressure with a gauge. Be sure to monitor your local news. In Baltimore, Phase I of the snow emergency plan requires that you have snow tires, all weather radials or snow chains. Talk to your mechanic or visit a local tire store now to be sure you are prepared.
Clear snow and ice from your car: Remove all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk, and lights before you take to the road. This not only helps with visibility, but also avoids the many hazards to motorists that can come from windblown ice or snow.
After a road salting weather event: As soon as weather permits after an event when salt is applied to the roads, you should take your car through an automatic car wash to remove salt from your vehicle to reduce corrosion, especially on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Drivers should remember to stay tuned to local news for weather updates and travel advisories. DGS also reminds motorists to practice safe and undistracted driving whenever on the road and to wear seatbelts at all times. For additional information, visit www.Baltimorecity.gov.