How to Winterize your Car

Next Sunday is the first day of winter. As you could tell by our past few articles, that means a change of climate not just for you, but for you car as well! 

• Engine oil. A drop in outside temperature influences the internal temperature of your engine as well. Particularly if you live where temperatures can get below freezing, you want thinner, less viscous oil (for example, moving from 10W-40 grade oil to 5W-30). You can refer to your car manual for further information
• Engine coolant. The coolant protects against both overheating and corrosion. Make sure your coolant is a proper mix of antifreeze and water (about 60% coolant with ethylene glycol to 40% water).
• Car battery. Battery capacity is reduced by cold weather, even up to 50%. Have your battery, cables, terminals, and fluids inspected before the cold weather sets in, especially if you have an older car. Check the cables for cracks and breaks, make sure the terminal isn't loose, and refill the battery fluid with distilled water if the level is below the bottom of the cap.
• Tires. Have your tires rotated and inspected, since they will be mixing with the snow, sleet, an ice. Check the tire pressure, which is particularly important for the winter to maintain better traction (you can refer to the owner's manual for the appropriate tire pressure). Consider buying a set of snow tires to change into only for the winter season if you live in an extreme-weather area, and change back into regular tires in the spring for better fuel efficiency and handling.
• Windshield. Visibility accounts for 90% of driver reaction, and can be impaired during winter months due to precipitation and salt buildup. Make sure to check the condition of your windshield wiper blades and wiper fluid reservoir. To clear off cold, heavy grime, select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution (note that some can be harsh and may cause paint damage).
• Stock your car. Being stranded by the side of the road can be dangerous, and having these items available in your car is highly recommended: blanket, jumper cables, flashlight, chains, first-aid kit, small knife, flares, energy bars, watergloves, small shovel, waterproof matches, and ice scraper.

picture courtesy: http://www.longbeachautodetail.com/files/2012/12/winter_car.jpg

How to Put On Tire Chains

If you live in a snowy climate or plan on going on a vacation in the mountains, chances are that you're going to need tire chains. Even drivers who are experienced with driving in snow and icy conditions must have tire chains to maintain traction and stay in control on mountain roads and highways. 

1. Make sure your tire chains fit your tires. Most tire chain packaging have a guide that indicate the appropriate types of tires, and stores and markets where chains are sold have guides (or helpful employees!) as well. Never use chains that are too large or too small for your tires.
2. Lay the chains flat near the tire and remove all twists and tangles. Arrange the chains so that the side with sharp open hooks is facing down and away from the tire. If the hooks facing up, they will eventually face towards the tire and cause damage.
3. On one end of the chains, identify the "C" hook and the bow lever. 
4. Drive the car onto the chain by slowly and carefully rolling over the edge. The bow lever side should be on the outer side of the tire, and the "C" hook should be on the inner side. Stop when you have the connecting part of the chains just in front of the tire when the wheels stop, so you can adjust them.
5. Go to the front and insert the bow lever through the chain link. Pull back on the bow lever to tighten the chains. Pull it again past the next link, and release. 
6. After it is hooked, check the chains for a good, tight fit and make sure that they are centered on the tire, with the same number of free links on the inside and outside. If a hand can be slipped between the tire and the side/center chain, then it is too loose.
7. After installation, try driving with the chains for half a mile, stop, and re-tigheten if necessary.

Picture courtesy: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Snow_Chain_Honda.jpg

Dangers of Old Tires

There is little quality control in the used car industry, and just because a tire looks like it is in perfect shape does not mean it's safe. Many people rely on the tread depth to determine its condition, but a tire could look completely brand-new, have never been used, and have never touched the ground, but be over-aged to the point where the rubber compounds cannot support the weight of your car. 

What happens as a car ages?

• Rubber compounds oxidizes, causing cracks in the rubber develop over time. The internal adhesive bonds between the various layers of the tire begin to break down, and the steels belts in the tread may separate from the rest of the tire.
• The tire becomes worn and more susceptible to malfunction or puncture.

What are the dangers of old tires?

• Function. Old tires have a worn-out tread, causing reduced traction on the road and requiring a longer stopping distance.
• Storage. The conditions of storage for spare tires can deteriorate the tires. Mounting the spare tire underneath or behind the vehicle exposes it to dirt and other elements, while storing in the trunk is comparable to baking it in a miniature oven. 
• Blown tires. An old tire has a higher chance of puncture or completely blowing out, which can cause loss of vehicle control.
• Temperature and weather. Worn tires can be especially dangerous during times of bad weather, such as rainstorms, since the reduced grip can cause sliding or hydroplaning. Warmer/coastal climates and exposure to sunlight can hasten the aging process.
• Use. The duration of the tires can depend on the nature of its use. Rapid braking and acceleration, road conditions, bumping into curbs, and irregular maintenance can contribute to decline in quality.

How can I determine the age of my tires?

• All tires are stamped at the factory with a Department of Transportation (DOT) code with 11-14 digits on the sidewall. For the last four digits, the first two represents the week of manufacture and the last two represents the year. Even when you are buying new cars, you should check the date to ensure that the tires were not stored in a warehouse for a long time prior to delivery. If it was manufactured more than 6 months earlier, consider asking for newer tires, since tires are still subject to oxidation even when not in use.

All in all, while it may be tempting to save money by equipping your vehicle with your old or used tires, consider the risks. Driving on unsafe tires can lead to serious accidents, and you should never take a chance when it comes to your vehicle or, more importantly, your own safety.

Picture courtesy: http://l.rgbimg.com/cache1n8lEo/users/j/ja/jazza/600/2djsV4n.jpg