DIY Network

Auto Care: Winterizing Your Vehicle From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-106

	Leilani Munter discusses winterizing your vehicle with the correct automotive fluids.
	Media Watch the Video

NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

In this special winter edition of DIY's Auto Primer, host Leilani Munter takes on winter driving. She offers advice on winter-driving maintenance and safety--including how to winterize your vehicle to keep it in shape to handle the harsh cold-weather conditions.

Materials:

Anti freeze
Motor oil
Battery
Winter wiper-blades
Eye protection

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or hazardous chemicals.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Here are some items you'll want to check in order to ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter.

• Antifreeze. As a general rule, regular antifreeze (figure A, left) should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. Extended-life antifreeze (figure A, right) is made to last up to 150,000 miles. GM's DexCool® (figure B) also lasts for 150,000 miles, but should not be mixed with standard other extended-life antifreeze as it is not compatible.

  Consult your vehicle owner's manual for the correct water-to-antifreeze mixture for your climate. Typically there is also a graph on the antifreeze bottle showing the proper ratio for various temperature ranges.
  
  

  Figure C

• Engine oil. In cold climates, you'll want to use a lower viscosity (i.e., thinner) oil for the cold-weather months. For example, a car that uses 20W-50 oil in the warm months might need to be replaced with 5W-30 during cold weather (figure C). In very cold temperatures, a thinner oil is better able to circulate quickly into the engine at start-up, making it easier for the engine to turn over.
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure E

• Battery maintenance. Check your battery to make certain there isn't corrosion buildup on or around the terminals. In colder temperatures, starting your may require more amps than needed in warmer weather. Corrosion at the terminals interferes with the flow of electricity and may drain your batter prematurely.

  Corrosion can be cleaned away from the outside of the terminal using a mixture of baking soda and water. Mix the two to create a thick paste and use an old toothbrush to clean away the buildup (figure D). To clean the inside of the connection, release the bolt to loosen the battery cable. Once the cable is removed from the terminal, dip the end of the cable into clean water and wipe it clean with a dry cloth, then reinstall the cable. After the terminals are clean, to prevent future corrosion you can apply a terminal protector. Once applied (figure E), this compound helps prevent the acid within your battery from reacting with the air and thereby reduces corrosion.

  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when servicing a battery.
  

  Figure F

• Windshield Wipers. Snow and ice can build up on your windshield wipers and keep them from working effectively. Wiper blades are easily removed, and can be replaced with a winter windshield-wiper. This specialized wiper has a covering that protects the inner workings (figure F).
  

  Figure G

• Traction Tip. Front-wheel drive cars have an advantage over rear-wheel drive for winter driving since the weight of the engine over the front wheels boosts traction. If you're driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you may want to add some extra weight in your trunk before driving in slick road-conditions. Bags of sand, available at your local home center, can be placed in the trunk to enhance the traction of the rear wheels. When you place the bags in your trunk (figure G), make certain to place them over the rear axle.

Auto Primer Tip: It's best to perform this maintenance prep in the fall so that your car is winter-ready before the cold sets in.

Important: Always dispose of automotive fluids and other hazardous materials responsibly. Many auto centers have auto-fluid recycling centers.

Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with your owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896