How To Protect Your Vehicle During A Cold Snap

When the weather turns frigid, follow these tips.

Extremely cold weather can wreak havoc on your car’s engine, suck power from its battery and deflate your tires. And during a cold snap, temperatures can plummet overnight, putting your car at higher risk of breaking down on your morning commute. So make sure you monitor the forecast, and if you hear that a cold spell is coming, here’s what you can do to protect your vehicle.

CHECK THE BATTERY
Battery issues are the most frequent cause of breakdowns, and low temperatures can drain batteries far faster than high ones. Examine your battery’s terminals and cables, making sure they’re tight and free from corrosion.  Brighton Ford offers free battery checks at our Service Center all winter long.

COAT THE BATTERY TERMINALS
Coat the battery terminals with automotive grease or petroleum jelly to prevent deposits from forming. If the battery looks swollen or if the casing is cracked, take your vehicle to a local Ford Dealer Service Center to be checked right away.

MONITOR YOUR CAR’S TIRES
Tire pressure drops considerably in cold weather, affecting your vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Check your tire pressure monthly, and fill the tires to the proper level as listed on the label found on your driver’s side doorjamb.  Brighton Ford offers free tire checks at our Service Center all winter long.

CHECK AND CHANGE THE OIL
Do this regularly. Colder temperatures cause oil to thicken, impeding its ability to travel through the engine. This can lead to a breakdown. Consult your owner’s manual to find out the best oil for your vehicle.

INSPECT BELTS AND HOSES
Look for cracks or fraying—in winter belts and hoses are more likely to get brittle and break. A damaged belt will reduce the engine’s efficiency, and a leaky hose could lead to an overheated engine and costly repairs.

FILL UP THE GAS TANK
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid a gas-line freeze-up.

MAINTAIN THE COOLANT LEVEL
Check your coolant level whenever you fill up the gas tank. Running low on coolant—also known as antifreeze—can be catastrophic, potentially ruining your engine.

EXAMINE THE WIPERS
In cold weather, windshield wipers need to be in top shape to remove snow and ice. Examine them and replace your wipers if the rubber is cracked, broken or falling off. And be sure to use a windshield washer fluid with the necessary freeze protection for your area.

INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD
Inspect your car’s windshield, looking for any cracks or chips. When temperatures drop below freezing, cracks are more likely to spread because the glass becomes more concave, and any moisture that collects in chips can freeze and expand.

AVOID FLYING DEBRIS
To protect your windshield while driving, be on the lookout for flying debris, especially from snowplows, which can launch stones, ice and chunks of asphalt.

TAKE AN EMERGENCY KIT
Prepare a winter emergency kit for the trunk and check it regularly, making sure your portable jump starter and spare cell phone are charged. (Often 911 calls will go through even if the phone has no service plan.)

The kit should include:
Tire chains
Road salt or kitty litter for traction
Jumper cables
Jump starter
Cell phone
Phone charger
Small shovel
Ice scraper
Flashlight
Rags or paper towels
Blankets
Flares
Bottled water
Energy bars

MONITOR THE FORECAST
Always keep on top of your local forecast and stay off the road when there are advisories. Stay safe—and warm!

Brighton Ford offers free tire and battery checks at our Service Center.  Any questions or need help with any of these items to get ready for the cold Michigan winters, give our Service Department a call at 888-826-4760 or stop in at 8240 Grand River, Brighton, MI 48114. 

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Article by Jordan Mendoza from www.myfordmag.com