I work for a local car dealership so I guess I'll throw in a few tips on preparing your vehicle.
- If you park outside, either cover the wipers & mechanism or be sure to free them and clean the snow out before using them. Ask me how many stripped or bent wiper arms I've replaced because people don't do this.
- Spraying vinegar on frosted up windows makes scraping easier and applying some vegetable oil to your rubber door seals can help prevent them from freezing shut. There's also the "thaw a frozen lock by heating your key with a lighter" trick.
- Never install cardboard or other air blocking devices directly on the radiator.
- Check your lights and replace as needed.
- Check and replace your windshield wipers as needed.
- Drain and refill your washer fluid reservoir with winter rated fluid (-35 or lower). Remember to purge the lines!
- Check the condition of all serpentine or accessory drive belts. If you see more than 5 cracks per inch, the belt should be replaced.
- Check the strength of the engine coolant. I can't speak for other makes but GM Dexcool turns acidic and starts eating aluminum after 4-5 years. Flush if needed.
- Clean and seal your battery terminals. Even a slight bit of corrosion prevents proper charging.
- Have your battery and charging system checked and load tested.
- Inspect your tires for uneven wear. Improper inflation, worn shocks and worn or out of alignment suspension parts mean the tires aren't fully gripping the road.
- Measure the tread depth. Most manufacturers now recommend replacing tires at 5/32" during the winter for safer travel and better grip in deeper snow.
- Invest in dedicated winter tires on their own rims. This makes swapping over much faster.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but here's Rick Mercer with the best argument for installing winter tires.
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Originally Posted by fiddler
