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Menards: How to winterize your vehicle

Posted at 9:55 AM, Oct 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-03 09:55:04-04

There are some simple steps that you can take to get your car ready for winter. Many of which are mentioned in your owner’s manual. Taking these steps will give you piece of mind while driving during the harsh winter months.

  • Changing your oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated.
     
  • Replace your windshield wipers. They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Fill up your windshield washer fluid. Apply a windshield treatment to prevent fogging of your windshield.
     
  • Check your battery. This is a good time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. You don’t want to be stuck anywhere in the middle of a snowstorm.
     
  • Check your belts and hoses during your next full service inspection. Cold weather can do a number on belts and hoses, so this is extremely important.
     
  • Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction as you drive on snow and ice. Traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions. Menards carries several air compressors that would be useful to have on hand in the event that you need to fill your tiers up before leaving home or while on the road.
     
  • Prepare and emergency kit for each car in your household. Store this in your trunk so it is always available if you run into trouble.
    • Blankets
    • Boots, gloves and scarf along with additional warm clothing.
    • Water, food and hard candy o Ice scrapper
    • Small shovel
    • Flashlight and flares
    • Jumper cables
    • Tool kit with tire gauge
    • Spare tire with air and all the equipment needed to change a flat tire. 
    •  First aid kit
    • A bag of abrasive material such as sand, salt or kitty litter to provide traction if you get stuck.

SOURCE: Menards