Is Your Vehicle Winterized? Check These 9 Things to Be Sure

Winter DrivingWinter is just around the corner, so it’s a good idea to take a little time now and make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold, and sometimes treacherous, driving conditions ahead.\n\n“You can save money and avoid dangerous winter breakdowns by properly maintaining your vehicle,” explains Don Weber, Vice President of Operations for Oil Can Henry’s. Specifically, Weber recommends checking your vehicle’s:\n

    \n

  • Antifreeze. Over time, antifreeze breaks down and loses its ability to protect your engine against corrosion. If it has been diluted by water, it can lose its freeze and overheat protection. Check your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and replace the antifreeze when it’s due. At the very least, have the freeze protection checked.
  • \n

  • Battery. It’s a good idea to carry jumper cables, but it makes sense to check the condition of your battery and replace it if needed. Also check the battery terminals and cables to ensure the connection is tight and remove any corrosion.
  • \n

  • Belts. Check your drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many of the newer multi-rib serpentine belts don’t show obvious signs of wear, so it’s best to replace them at the mileage recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
  • \n

  • Headlights. About 80% of driving decisions are based on visibility. So, make sure both headlights are operational and providing sufficient light. If a headlight is burned out, replace it. If your vehicle has acrylic headlight lenses that have become hazy or yellowed, have them cleared with a Headlight Restoration service to increase visibility and light output.
  • \n

  • Hoses. Check your cooling system hoses for cracks or leaks and for loose clamps.
  • \n

  • Oil. Use the proper oil for your vehicle and follow the oil change schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Using the incorrect cold weather viscosity can decrease gas mileage and cause excessive engine wear during startup.
  • \n

  • Tires. Check the condition and pressure of your tires. Improperly inflated tires are unsafe and can reduce fuel economy.
  • \n

  • Windshield Wash. If you live in a cold climate, make sure your windshield wash fluid doesn’t freeze by switching to a winterized fluid that provides freeze protection appropriate to your area.
  • \n

  • Wiper Blades. Wiper blades wear out, so consider replacing them every six months or as needed.
  • \n

\nYou can do all of this yourself, or you can visit your local Oil Can Henry’s, relax in the comfort of your vehicle and enjoy a complimentary newspaper as our trained technicians take care of it for you.\n\nMost Oil Can Henry’s service centers provide a free battery test as part of your service. Need a new battery? We proudly sell and install quality Interstate Batteries.\n\nAs part of your oil change service, most Oil Can Henry’s service centers will also test the condition of your antifreeze to ensure it’s adequately protecting your engine. If it’s time for new antifreeze ask about our Cooling System Flushwhich replaces 100% of the old antifreeze. A radiator drain and fill, in comparison, replaces just a fraction of the old fluid.\n\nSafe motoring this winter from your friends at Oil Can Henry’s!