In any weather, taking proper care of your car is key to avoiding common problems, like dead batteries or flat tires. However, it’s even more essential to take care of your vehicle in Alaska’s extreme winter weather. From inside to out, we’re here to help you care for your car and ensure that it’s equipped to withstand these frigid winter months.
Interior Car Care in the Winter
Battery Maintenance: Cold weather can cause your battery’s charge to drain significantly faster than usual, so be sure to regularly check its charge and replace it if needed. Consider using a battery blanket or an engine heater to keep your battery warm when your vehicle is parked.
Engine Heaters: Using an engine heater can help your car start more easily in freezing weather, which reduces stress and wear on the engine. Be sure to plug in the heater a few hours before starting your vehicle. When it comes to types of engine heaters, you have several options to choose from, but your trusted local mechanic can help you select the best option for your vehicle and environment. If your car or truck is fitted with a molded port, consider having your mechanic install an after-market engine block heater. As far as battery health is concerned, if you don’t regularly drive your vehicle in winter, we suggest installing a battery trickle charger. The trickle charger will help the battery maintain a charge, even when the vehicle is stored or unused for extended periods.
Antifreeze/Coolant: Although you might not think about it when the temperature is in the negatives outside, it’s important to be sure your vehicle’s coolant level is sufficient. This prevents the coolant from freezing and damaging the engine. Also, be sure to use fluids formulated for cold temperatures, such as cold weather premixed coolant (up to a 70/30 ratio).
Oil Change: Oil changes are important all year round, but they are especially important in the winter. Having fresh oil with the correct viscosity for subzero temperatures can mean the difference between a smooth drive and potentially catastrophic engine damage. Keeping up with your oil changes helps keep your engine lubricated properly, and a lubricated engine will help ensure easier starts in the cold weather. You probably also need to consider (or ask your mechanic) if you need to switch to a lower viscosity or synthetic oil, both of which perform better in extreme cold temperatures. Each time you change your oil, change out the oil filter, too; specifically, change out the filter to one that’s designed to withstand the additional pressure that cold, thick oil can generate. If you haven’t yet, go ahead and schedule your mid-winter oil change at METRO!
Fuel System: While your gas won’t freeze, any water that accumulates in your fuel line and tank can freeze. To prevent this from happening, keep your gas tank at least half full. You can also use fuel additives, or gas-line antifreeze, to help absorb any water in your tank and gas lines.
Exterior Car Care in Winter
Tire Care: Winter tires are designed to give you better traction and control on snow and ice. Not only do they help you stay safe on the winter roads, but investing in a good winter tire can last you 3-5 years with the proper care and storage between seasons. Did you know cold weather can cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly? Because of this, it’s especially important to check your tire pressure regularly—about once a week—in the winter months. Ask your mechanic or refer to your owner’s manual to find the right tire pressure for your vehicle. It will usually be between 32-40 PSI.
Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid: Even top-of-the-line wipers can start to lose their edge in as little as six months, and yet, most of us don’t replace our wiper blades twice a year, as most manufacturers recommend. But if there’s ever a time for a new set of wiper blades, it’s winter. Change out your old blades for ones that are designed for snow and ice to help ensure proper visibility in already risky road conditions. Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to change out your washer fluid for winter-grade fluid to prevent it from freezing in the reservoir, in the lines, or on the windshield.
Miscellaneous Winter Car Care
Caring for Your Cabin in Winter:
There are a few things you can do to care for your cabin and make things more comfortable for you and your passengers. For instance, you can use all-weather floor mats to protect the carpet from the snow and moisture that get tracked in. These mats are easier to clean, and keeping the carpet in the floorboards dry can help prevent unpleasant odors.
Although there isn’t much you can do to completely prevent this issue, it’s also important to note that the frigid temperatures will likely make any LCD screens in your vehicle sluggish. Just wait for the cabin to warm up and they should start working normally. You can start your car a few minutes early, so they’ll be ready to go when you are.
In case of roadside emergencies, keep an emergency kit in the cabin of your car, or you can keep it in the trunk if it’s accessible from the cabin. Include items like a blanket, flashlight, extra gloves, and non-perishable snacks. For a more in-depth look at what you should include in your emergency kit, check out this blog.
Protecting a Vehicle’s Exterior from the Elements:
Before driving, remove snow and ice from the entire vehicle, including the roof. Regularly wash your vehicle—especially the undercarriage—to remove salt and other corrosive agents that could damage vehicle components.
Remember Your Mid-Winter Inspection!
Most of these tips are things you can do from the comfort of your home garage. However, unless you’re a trained mechanic, you can’t fully inspect and maintain your vehicle.
Be sure to schedule your mid-winter inspection at METRO this January. We’ll help you drive worry-free for the rest of winter! https://metropolitangarage.com
