Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Road Trips

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Road Trips : Christmas traffic surges by around 70 percent during the festive season, with many people in the US driving long distances to be with family. Winter has a host of road risks associated with it, though—including black ice, lack of visibility, and snow. If you are planning on taking a road trip or driving interstate, ensuring your car is well-maintained for the season is key. The following considerations should be kept in mind, so you are confident and secure when you are behind the wheel.

Relying on Winter Tires

When the temperature is freezing (or close to it), the rubber in standard tires hardens, making it harder for your tires to grip the road. It pays to replace them with winter tires in the colder season, especially if you are driving in snowy or rainy weather. Winter tires have special components that resist cold temperatures, boosting your vehicle’s traction in snow, slush, and ice.

Keeping Pests at Bay

Common pets that can make their way into your vehicle include carpet beetles, mice, and rats. Unfortunately, your car can be a warm haven for these pests, and they may cause damage by chewing wires, gnawing on upholstery, building nests, and chewing wires. Rodents can also cause accidents if they appear unexpectedly while you are driving and cause you to panic or swerve. To end an invasive pest infestation, start by cleaning your vehicle thoroughly and vacuuming it. If the problem is small, the pests may go away on their own. If the issue is more severe, and you need specific products, consider professional fumigation or consult specialists about the right type of product to target the specific pests that are bothering you.

Checking Your Battery, Spark Plugs, and Other Components

Having your car professionally maintained is a good way to prevent damaged belts, spark plugs, hoses, and/or other components from causing your car to break down. Cold weather also affects your battery life. If possible, replace your current battery with a lithium battery, which performs better in winter than lead-acid ones. Lithium batteries actually warm up when they are used, which boosts their voltage and lowers their resistance. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are another good choice in the wintertime, as they have more starting power, greater durability, and higher cold-cranking amps. They cost more, but are worth the investment if you want to feel fully secure throughout your journey.

Topping Off Fluids

Make sure your gas tank and washer fluid tanks are full. A full tank can stop water from freezing in your fuel tank. Moreover, having enough gas is key if your vehicle breaks down, and you need to stay warm until help arrives. You should also flush your antifreeze and refill it, using a 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze in your radiator to reduce the engine freezing point.

Winter is a popular time of year for road travel, despite the inconveniences that the weather can sometimes pose. To play it safe, visit your mechanic and ensure all essential components are working to perfection. Fill your gas tank and make sure you have the right coolant-water blend, so your vehicle can resist even the coldest tempest.