advertisement

Tips for winterizing your vehicle

With a rain or snow forecast nearly every week this winter, you might want to make sure your car or truck is ready to deal with what Mother Nature has planned.

To help get you going, here are some tips to make sure your vehicle is equipped to brave the harshest of elements.

Tires

The only part of your car or truck touching the road should be your tires, therefore they should be first on your list. David Mason, parts and service operations manager with Ford's Customer Service Division, said drivers should check the tread depth on their tires based on the manufacturer's specifications and, if they are worn, they should be replaced. He noted that tires are available for purchase and installation at your nearby Ford dealership. In fact, Mason said Ford sold more than 3.7 million tires last year.

Also, Mason said the tire pressure should be checked regularly. Even though many of today's newer vehicles are equipped with tire-pressure monitor systems, Mason said the swing in temperatures can affect the pressure.

Brakes

Sticking with the wheels, Mason said brakes should be checked by an automotive technician "to make sure there is enough brake lining on the brake pads to ensure proper stopping." The technician also will check to see if the vehicle pulls to the left or right while braking, which also could be a sign of other concerns.

A brake inspection is part of THE WORKS VEHICLE CHECKUP at Ford dealerships. It also includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation, a multipoint inspection, a battery test and a check of the filter, belts and hoses.

Battery

One of the worst things to hear on a cold morning is clicking when you try to start your car. "If your car is not turning over when cranking," said Mason, "that could be the sign of a potential problem, like a weak battery cell."

You also should look at the battery cables to make sure there is no corrosion visible and that they are tight on the battery. Corrosion or a loose connection could lead to the dreaded clicking sound.

Windshield wipers

It's great if your car starts and stops, but you really need to see where you are going. "You have to have good wiper blades," said Mason. He suggests inspecting the blades for cracks and make sure they clean the window thoroughly and do not streak. "If your blades survived the summer heat, you may want to consider changing them," said Mason, adding that wiper blades may need replacement every six months depending on driving conditions.

Wiper fluid

Yes, this is a separate item. Why? "It is one of the most essential things to check," said Mason. "It is inexpensive but a key measure to driving safety."

Even if you only drive when it's sunny, there might still be some puddles or snow sludge on the road that will get on your windshield. And with no rain or snow to wash it off, you need wiper fluid to help get it off so you can see.

Motor oil

Mason said not to deviate from the oil recommended for your vehicle. It can handle the cold, snow, ice and other weather and does not need to be

changed, except at the Mfg suggested intervals. "Ford recommends Motorcraft oil in your Ford - Lincoln to keep your vehicle operating at its peak performance," said Mason.

Antifreeze

Because of the cold you might be tempted to replace what's in your radiator with just antifreeze and not mixed with water. "We would definitely frown upon that," said Mason. Instead, he said, like oil, consumers should follow the owners guide for your vehicle. "

Besides all that, Mason suggests having an emergency kit in your vehicle, including jumper cables and flares, for those you might encounter this winter who did not follow these tips.

This article is sponsored by Chicagoland Ford Group.

For more information, contact: dmason@ford.com;

localfordstores.com

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.