Coolant or antifreeze, is basically the (usually) bright-colored solution that goes inside your vehicle’s radiator. Most of the time, cars run using a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant—but to be sure, it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding the correct water-coolant mixture.
Now, during winter, it’s always good advice for you to keep your water-coolant levels as close to full as possible. You’re probably wondering:
“Why add water-coolant mixture when it’s winter?” Well, even if it’s winter, your engine still heats up pretty fast, especially when you’re traveling long distances. I say,just don’t risk it! An overheating engine can cause a lot of problems under your hood. Plus, coolant helps keep your engine operating properly—it’s the best way to winter-proof your cooling system and to prolong your engine’s life.
Also, don’t make the mistake of adding 100 percent pure coolant into your radiator. Coolant freezes easily. The water’s there to help keep your coolant well below freezing point. If the coolant freezes up, expect it to expand and to kick out your engine block faster than you can say “mother-quacker”. And if you’re not sure about the freeze rating of your vehicle’s coolant, then I suggest you get one of those itsy-bitsy testers they sell in your local garage or parts store. Try to stay as far away from your coolant’s freezing point to avoid shelling out for a new engine block.
I hope you remembered to perform your annual radiator flush last spring! And now that we’re done with antifreeze/coolant discussion, let’s head on to the next topic: winter-proofing your windshield wiper!
Tip #7: Make the Necessary Wiper Replacements this Season, and Don’t Forget to Check your Windshield Washer Fluid Levels Too!
To prevent a little snow on your windshield from accumulating and completely turning your automobile into a frozen car-cicle, you’ll need to invest in a great set of new windshield wipers. Unless you’ve recently replaced your wipers in the last few months, I’m willing to bet your wipers are in pretty bad shape after clearing your windshield glass of countless storms.
Windshield wipers may not seem very important at winter, but if you drive frequently during snowy weather, you’ll know how hard it is to drive a straight line when white stuff from the sky keeps falling on your windshield, obstructing your view of the road. Now, add reckless drivers in front of you zooming off and kicking snowy mush or muck onto your windshield to the mix, and you’re well on your way to an accident caused by poor driving visibility.
Take some time to make sure your windshield wipers are in great condition. If they aren’t buy new ones. Some manufacturers actually produce winter-specific wiper blades that are designed to withstand really harsh weather. So, you might want to get those for your car.
These winter wipers usually have thick rubber coverings that prevent ice and snow from collecting on the windshield wiper blade. But while this winter-specific product may seem like the cat’s pajamas during the cold season, make sure you remove these blades by spring—otherwise your wiper motor’s going to give out soon from all the effort of having to move heavier blades.
Lastly, Do make sure your windshield washer fluid levels are high during the winter season. You’re going to need lots and lots of washer fluid to help keep your windshield spotless during your travels. So check your windshield washer fluid levels now—and add more fluid if needed.
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