Jan 14, 2009 10:29 am US/Eastern
Tips To Help Your Car Survive The Winter
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Winter is not only a tough time for us, it can also be taxing on your car if you do not take care of it. Here are a couple of steps you can take to help your car survive the cold winter months.
FILL THE TANK
Make sure your gas tank is full, said Mike MacLeod, a mechanic at North Beacon Auto Body in Brighton. Having no less than a quarter tank of gas makes sure your tank doesn't freeze. When your gas lines freeze, he says, your car won't start.
Freezing can also split your gas lines and cause a leak, which would require a visit to the garage -- a trip you could have avoided by simply stopping at the gas station and dropping a couple bucks.
LEAVING YOUR CAR
You should not let your car sit in the cold for long periods of time, according to MacLeod. Many people leave their cars in one spot and wait for the snow to melt before using it again. Letting your car sit in the cold for that long will kill your battery.
According to AAA of Southern New England, the car battery can lose up to 60 percent of its power at zero degrees. Even at 32 degrees the battery can be up to 35 percent weaker than at 70 degrees.
TURN OFF YOUR WIPERS
A very common problem is wiper issues, MacLeod said. If you know a snow storm is coming, make sure you turn off your wiper blades before getting out of the car, he said.
If you forget and snow piles up on your windshield, the wipers will try to push through the snow and ice once you turn your car on. This can break the wipers, or even burn out the wiper motor, he said.
Fun Fact: Why Do We Use Salt On Icy Roads?
LET THE CAR WARM UP
It is also very important to warm up your car before heading out, MacLeod said. Warming up the car lets the oil heat up and work its way through the motor, allowing your car to work properly.
If you start your car on a very cold day and just drive off, you face the risk of seriously damaging your motor -- a very costly repair, he said.
AAA says an extended warm-up is not necessary, but you should allow you car to run for at least a minute and then drive slowly until the car reaches its operating temperature.
CLEAN OFF THE TAIL PIPE
Make sure the tail pipe of your car is cleaned off. This is important for a few reasons. Most importantly, if you are sitting in your idling car and your tail pipe is blocked with snow, you could become asphyxiated, MacLeod said.
Secondly, if your tail pipe is blocked, your car will not run. This is because the exhaust created has no place to escape.
Other helpful hints offered by AAA include getting regular tune-ups, mixing anti-freeze at a 50/50 ratio with water to protect your car's engine, and get your oil changed regularly with the type of oil that is recommended in your vehicle owner's manual.
So there you have it – a few simple steps to help you make it through another cold and snowy New England winter. Be safe out there!
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
Driving Tips For Severe Weather
Create An Emergency Kit For Your Car
How To Prepare For A Winter Storm
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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