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How To Maintain Your Car In The Winter

Between the freezing temperatures and rough winter driving conditions, winter can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Never fear, though. The King is here to help you prepare your vehicle for the chilly months ahead with this winter car maintenace guide.  

 

Step 1: Check the Condition of Your Radiator Antifreeze

  • Antifreeze should be changed periodically, just like engine oil. Over time, it loses its ability to dissipate heat in order to prevent freezing at low temperatures, becoming corrosive to your water pump, hoses and engine block.
  • Regular antifreeze (usually green in colour) should be changed every two years. Extended life antifreeze (usually orange or pink colour) should be changed every five years.
  • If you’re not sure of the condition or age of your antifreeze, you can test it with an antifreeze tester - this will tell you the ratio of water to antifreeze. If you’ve got too much water, your fluid could freeze inside the engine block and heads. Fluid expands when it freezes – even to the point of cracking your engine. That’s one costly repair you want to avoid. Also, be aware that too much antifreeze means you’ll lose the heat dissipation the water provides, causing your engine to overheat.  
  • Most cars require a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze but check your owner's manual to be sure. If you need to change the antifreeze, be sure to flush the cooling system as well. 

Step 2: Change Your Thermostat

Periodically changing your thermostat can help avoid a number of problems. But when it comes to winter car maintenance, the main concern is heat. A thermostat that sticks will reduce coolant flow, preventing heat from being blown into the cabin of the car. It will also cause the engine to overheat. On the other hand, a thermostat that sticks open could let coolant flow non-stop. This also reduces the amount of heat in the cabin because the engine never reaches the proper operating temperature.  

  • Follow your upper radiator hose to the engine (on most cars, this hose connects to the thermostat housing).
  • Undo the bolts holding the housing down and remove the old thermostat. IMPORTANT:  Be sure to use proper torque settings on all bolts.
  • Clean off all gasket surfaces, and replace any blown gaskets.
  • Install the new thermostat, and reinstall the thermostat housing.

Step 3: Switch to a Thinner Oil

Unless you use synthetic oil, consider using a thinner oil for the winter, like 5W30. Thinner oil makes it easier for your oil pump to circulate oil through the engine on those cold winter mornings. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, offers better-flowing properties in extreme cold and heat. 
 

Step 4: Don't Forget the Lock De-Icer

This will keep your locks from freezing, so make sure you use it before the cold temperatures arrive. 

Royal Tip: Keep a bottle of lock de-icer in your home and at work. Don't keep it in your car, it won't be any help if your locks are frozen.

Step 5: Fill Up With Winter Washer Fluid

Here too, make sure you switch to a winter washer fluid before sub-zero temperatures arrive. This will prevent your washer fluid container from freezing and cracking.

Step 6: Check Your Wiper Blades 

Check to make sure your wiper blades aren't worn out, chattering or separating. A new set of winter wiper blades or even all-season premium blades will keep your vision clear when it's freezing out.

Step 7: Use Gas Line Antifreeze or Diesel Anti-Gel

By using gas line antifreeze, you can avoid frozen fuel lines and trouble starting your car. These problems often occur on days with temperature swings (warmer days to cold nights), which cause condensation to freeze in your fuel tank. Gas line antifreeze helps the water and fuel mix together to avoid freezing. Diesel anti-gel is an additive for diesel-powered cars and trucks that also helps keep the fuel from "gelling" as the temperature drops.

Step 8: Prevent Frozen Doors and Windows

To avoid being stuck out in the cold, spray a silicone-based spray on the rubber around doors and windows.

Step 9: Ready Your Block Heater

The block heater warms the engine, increasing its chances of starting during the winter. The block heater is also a heating element that often sits on the side of your engine block and warms the antifreeze. Don't forget an extension cord so you can plug in at home or the office.