Getting my car ready for winter...?

Question

What kind of work does the mechanic do to prepare a vehicle for harsh winters. I live up north and drive a 15 yr. old car. (This will be it's last winter before I replace it.)

Answer 1

flush coolant change oil check battery and tires service tranny

Answer 2

Cars don't feel cold so don't let them gouge you. Make sure your battery is strong, your antifreeze is good, windshield waster is topped up.. I live in a cold winter climate with temps to minus 25 C and that is all I do.

Answer 3

Check the Fluids - Transmission, coolant, power steering, brake, radiator and battery fluids should be filled to recommended levels.

Check Belts and Hoses - Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Inspect all belts for damages and splits.

Check the Battery - The last thing you want is a dead battery in the middle of winter. A battery's performance can be reduced by %50 in cold temperatures.

Flush and fill coolant system.

Answer 4

Winters are hard on the electrical components. Specifically the battery, starter and alternator. So have the charging system checked out.

Most cars need the cooling system flushed every three to five years, if this is to be its last winter then just make sure the anti-freeze is good for your climate. I would recommend a pressure test of the system also. Hopefully if it is already leaking there is going to be a cooling system failure.

Lets face it winter  is no time to find out the starter, alternator, battery or water pump is bad. Unfortunately these parts are the ones most likely to fail during the winter.

Yes, make sure the oil is changed, but this has to be done about every three months. So either get an extended service oil (and filter) or just plan on getting redone before winter is over.

FYI- I always change the oil before trading off a car, I always look at the oil in the crank case (and transmission if possible) before buying a car. Clean oil (or dirty) tells me more about the status of the engine then the cleanliness of the engine compartment. It also tells me about the attention to details that count of either the previous owner or the dealer themselves.

Answer 5

If you are pressed for time and money the the 2 things I would do are:

1) Flush the radiator and replace with a good brand  (like prestone), or anti freeze. 50/50 mix or stronger if you are way up north where it gets below 0 degrees F.  Oh, and windshield wash solution for windows.

2) Remove the cables from your battery and clean the cable ends as well as the battery terminals with a wire brush or piece of sand paper.