Service Tips Winter Care
Broken Arrow, OK WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Driving in the winter in OK comes with many hazards. Before you go on a road trip, it is important to consider the driving conditions, and to make sure your car is fully prepared to handle the challenges that the season can bring about. Follow the steps below, and you will be on your way to protecting your car, and yourself, from the harshness of winter.
ENGINE ANTI-FREEZE/COOLANT
Engine coolant serves two purposes – to protect your car from overheating, and to protect your engine block from freezing. Checking the quality of your coolant before cold weather swoops in is crucial. Have a professional test the coolant, and if necessary, change the coolant-to-water ratio to include more coolant. If the problem is severe, consider a radiator flush to put fresh coolant in the radiator.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Winter months bring wet, salty and dirty conditions – all of which can be hard to see through. Make sure to not only fill up your washer fluid, but also ensure that the fluid won’t freeze. Most windshield wiper fluids come with anti-freeze ingredients to make sure that it won’t freeze in cold temperatures. You can buy windshield wiper fluid just about anywhere, just be sure to check the label to see if it’s rated for cold weather.
Windshield wiper blades are another very important part of the equation. Check your blades for wear and tear, and if there is any damage, it’s time for a windshield wiper replacement. The damage will only get worse when the wipers are pushing ice and snow out of the way. Bring your car into Ferguson Kia’s service department in Broken Arrow, and we’ll show you how to replace windshield wipers.
Car Battery Check
The chemical reactions that take place in your car battery slow down during the cold months, making it more likely to fail. Bring your car to a certified technician to have them check the charge left in the battery, look for corrosion, and any loose wires or poor connections. A quick check could save you hours waiting in the cold for a tow truck.
WINTER TIRES
Driving in snow can be very dangerous, especially on tires that aren’t made for severe weather. If you live in an area off the beaten path where snowfall is a regular occurrence, consider getting special snow tires. These tires have bigger studs and are able to grip the road better in snowy or icy conditions. A good step down from snow tires are all-weather tires, which don’t need to be changed with the seasons, offer decent performance in the snow, and will get better gas mileage.
CAR ENGINE OIL
The cold weather in the winter can have an effect on how your oil flows through the engine. If you use heavier weight oil, like 10W-30, the cold can cause the oil to slow down and be less effective at protecting your engine. Consider an oil change in the winter to lighter weight oil, like 5W-30. Refer to your owner’s manual for what motor oil to use in the winter.
Car Emergency Kit
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit ready in your car, not just during the Oklahoma winter months. Including the items below is a good starting point:
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Car engine oil
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Radio
- Boots
- Blankets
- Cell phone
- Anti-freeze coolant
These are just a starting point for safe driving in the winter. Having a plan for inclement weather is always a good idea and could save your life. Don’t forget, if you don’t feel comfortable driving in severe weather, stay home!
