Engine Coolant
Engine Oil in the Winter
Winter Tips
Don't forget your vehicle when the seasons change. Just like you, your vehicle needs a little extra attention when the weather turns cold. Here are some of our tips for keeping your vehicle running properly and preventing major repairs in the future.
Coolant Flush Special
$79.99
The oil in your engine is affected by how hot or cold your engine is running. Because the outside temperatures will influence the internal temperature of your engine, you need to make sure you're using the proper oil for the conditions.
We live where temperatures get below freezing regularly in the winter, which means a thinner oil is better during the winter months. We recommend 5W-30 for our climate. You can always refer to your manual or the manufacturer for more information.
Your car's coolant system keeps your engine from overheating, but it also protects your valuable engine against corrosion. In the Fall before the weather is too cold, you should make sure you are using coolant with ethylene glycol to help protect your engine.
For most vehicles, a winter ratio is 50% coolant to 50% water. This ratio is good for temperatures all the way down to -40F.
Battery Capacity
Your battery capacity is reduced by the cold weather. A thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid will help you make sure your car is ready to battle those cold temps.
You'll want to check over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly without loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole(s). If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water.
CAUTION: THE FLUID YOU SEE INSIDE IS ACIDIC. AVOID CONTACT.
Most batteries no longer have a built-in hydrometer eye. You can use a handheld hydrometer, but most people don't own one. We are here to test your battery for you.
Tires
Mounting the right tires on your car or truck can give you a huge advantage when trekking through snow. Most cars are equipped with all-season tires that you drive year-round. All-season tires are great because you don't have to worry about changing them between seasons.
Tires should always be kept at manufacturer recommendations. You can find this information in your manual or inside the door jam of your vehicle.
Windshield Treatment
Most of us forget our windshield when considering winterizing our vehicles. Did you know that the windshield washer fluid that you use in the summer is not the same kind you should be using in the winter? Because of the cold temperatures and the heavy, dirty road snow and ice you will be dealing with, you need to select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution.
CAUTION: Some washer fluids can damage your car's paint.
You should also be mindful of how worn your wiper blades have become. A new set of good quality wiper blades makes a huge difference in visibility during the winter. We have them in stock and can even install them for you.
Gas Tank
In the cold temperatures we get every winter, it is a good idea to keep your gas tank above 1/4 of a tank full. The closer your tank gets to E the more you risk condensation forming and freezing.
If you do not drive your car regularly, you can buy an antifreeze solution for your gas tank. This prevents the condensation that forms inside from freezing.
Frozen Out
Your door locks can easily freeze when the really cold weather hits. Autoparts stores sell glycerine that you can use for de-icing, but the problem always arises when you are frozen out of your car and realize your de-icing product is INSIDE the car! What to do?
You can hold your key in the palm of your hand to warm it up with your body temperature. You may need to warm the key and insert it into the lock a few times before the lock is free, but it will eventually open for you. Do NOT force the key until it turns easily.
To prevent this before it happens you can get graphite spray for your lock and a dry silicone for your outer door seal.
Emergency Kit
Everyone should have an emergency kit inside their car. You will of course want to make sure your spare tire is in good shape and that you have the tools and knowledge to change it yourself. Here are a few things we recommend you have in your car just in case:
-Flares
-Warm Blankets
-Boots
-Radio
-Engine Oil
-Washer Fluid
-Coolant
-Flashlight
We also recommend a Multi-Function Jump Starter. They can jump your car up to three times on a single charge and can charge all of your devices! No more depending on someone else to come with jumper cables. They retail for $150 at local auto parts stores. We sell them in our shop for $89.99! We have a few ourselves and love them.