During a harsh winter, you need to take certain steps to protect your car from dangerously low temperatures. After all, if your vehicle stalls in the middle of such an environment, not only is there a risk that you could be involved in a collision, but merely being stuck on the side of the road can prove dangerous on its own. You want to avert such a situation however you can, and therefore, it would be in your best interest to consult some of the tips on hand from a new report out of Minnesota.
The big thing to keep in mind is that your vehicle is going to function a lot more easily the warmer it is. When you park, try to avoid leaving your vehicle out in the elements, especially if it’s going to be there over night or for at least a few hours. If you have a garage, then it might be a good idea to clear it of various odds and ends so that you can store the car there. If you have multiple vehicles, you might put the older vehicle in the garage, as its engine may be more susceptible to the effects of the cold. The great thing about parking in a garage is it will save you from having to go outside and scrape ice.
In the summer, you may be inclined to run your vehicle on fumes, essentially letting downhill momentum carry you to the nearest gas station. In the winter, you should not do this. If your fuel is nearly depleted, not only could it freeze, but the gas tank itself could become partially frozen. This can make it impossible to start the car or it could compromise the viability of the fuel itself. Do not let gas levels drift under 1/4 tank when the weather is frigid.
The same kind of thinking must be applied to tires as well. When the weather is cold, the pressure inside will diminish, so it will be up to you to gauge the pressure and inflate as needed so that the tires meet the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The battery is another component that the cold can wreak havoc on. If it takes a couple of seconds for your vehicle to start in the morning, you could be due for a new battery. It’s important to replace this early on, before it actually goes out, so that you don’t get stuck out in the cold or in the middle of a road where visibility may be compromised.