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Tales from the Command Center – Cold weather driving tips MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS PREPARED FOR COLD WEATHER
Here are some tips to follow when preparing for cold weather driving.
Air Filter: In cold weather, a dirty or clogged air filter will do more to affect performance and fuel economy than in the summer. Cold air is denser than warm air and more dependent on a clean filter for efficient flow into the carburetor or fuel injection system.
Battery: In winter temperatures, it can take up to five times more battery power to start a car than when the thermometer reads 65 or 75 degrees. If the battery or any other part of the car's electrical system is in marginal shape, it will be difficult in cold weather. If a battery is more than three years old, the typical lifespan of most batteries, you are probably living on borrowed time. A mechanic or automotive technician can run a battery load test and check the complete electrical system, including the battery's reserve capacity. Replace severely corroded connectors and have your voltage regulator checked, too.
Cooling System: Flush the system and fill with the anti-freeze (coolant)/water mixture recommended by your owner's manual (a 50/50 solution is a good rule of thumb).
Gasoline: Always keep the gas tank as full as possible to minimize condensation, and prevent fuel contamination. Modern engines with fuel injection are especially fussy about getting their fill of clean gas.
Ignition: Wet weather can dampen an enthusiastic response from the car's engine, especially if it is an older car without electronic ignition. Worn points in the distributor, an old condenser, or a cracked distributor cap, combined with moisture, can make a car hard to start. And on cars of any age, frayed spark plug wires or dirty spark plugs will also cause starting problems.
Starting: Let your car warm up from one to two minutes before driving during winter temperatures so the oil circulates to all moving parts.
Tires: On most new cars, all-season radial tires are standard equipment. They work well under most weather conditions. Check tire pressure once a week, especially in cold weather. Pressure can drop one pound per square inch (psi) for every ten degrees that the temperature drops. Remember to be sure that your spare tire is also properly inflated.
Windshield Wipers and Washers: Check your wipers for proper functioning. Wiper blades that streak the windshield should be replaced. Worn out wiper blades can also scratch the windshield. The washer reservoir bottle should be filled with an anti-freeze washer solvent.
Sometimes you will hear windshield wiper chatter when wipers are working. This is because of an oily film that develops on the windshield. To cure that problem, wipe windshields down with rubbing alcohol.
The cold months are the hardest on your car. Better prepared drivers are better at facing winter weather challenges.
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