December 12, 2021
8 Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Winter
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Winter season’s almost here — a clear reminder for all vehicle owners to winterize their cars. Doing so ensures three things: your car will run well on snowy roads, it will survive the cold, and most importantly, it will keep you safe when you have to travel. Plus, it can bring you that extra comfort throughout your trips.
So, how exactly can you get your car ready for winter? What should you do to make sure that it can handle whatever challenges the cold throws at it? Here are eight tips that will serve you well:
- Inspect your tires.
Take time to carefully examine your tires for signs of wear. If you see those tell-tale signs, better get new tires to ensure your safety. Another thing to check is your tires’ air pressure. Fill them if they’re almost underinflated, or have your mechanic fill them for you in case you don’t know how to do it yourself.
- Clean the battery terminals.
Corrosion buildup on battery terminals not only leads to hard starting issues in cold weather but can also prevent the charging system from fully recharging the battery. That’s why it’s important to clean the terminals as part of your winterizing routine.
First, disconnect the negative cable, then move on to the positive cable. Clean the posts with a battery cleaning tool or wire brush, after which you proceed to the cable terminals. Remove all the grease and acid residue from the top of the battery using a paper towel.
Once you’re done, reconnect the positive cable terminal, followed by the negative. We recommend you use a battery terminal protectant spray to keep your battery terminals safe throughout winter.
- Test the brakes.
Your brakes are there to stop your car on icy roads whenever you have to, which is why inspecting them is a crucial step in car winterizing. Check the brake pads and rotors, and replace them if they’re already worn out. Brake noises like grinding, wheezing, or chirping are good indicators of worn brakes.
- Check the antifreeze.
Nobody wants to run out of antifreeze on harsh winter days. If that happens, the water in your radiator may freeze, preventing it from cooling your engine. As soon as you see low coolant levels, top it up or enlist the help of a professional.
- Examine the wipers.
Pay attention to your wiper blades and look for signs of wear and tear. If you notice splitting or cracking, or if your blades leave streaks on your windshield in the rain, you should change them immediately. Switch to winter wiper blades as they usually come with a durable cover that helps keep snow and slush away.
- Fix your heater.
Consider what would happen if your car gets stranded for a long time — without having heat inside. Imagine what you’re going to endure. A properly running heater will save the day for you.
- Consider snow tires.
If you live in a snowy area, switching to snow tires would be a smart move. These tires work best in inclement weather, and you won’t have any difficulty driving on slippery or icy roads. However, since they can lower your MPG, you need to use them only during rough winter months.
- Prepare for emergencies.
Have an emergency road kit. You’ll never know when you’ll get stuck in a heavy snowstorm. Have these items around:
- Tire chains
- Kitty litter
- Shovel
- Ice scraper
- Winter jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Warm boots
- Blanket
- Water
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
Our Suffering Vets Need Your Support, Especially This Winter
It’s heartbreaking to see homeless veterans struggling to survive on the streets during the winter months. Others have long been suffering from unemployment, service-connected disabilities, and illnesses, including mental health conditions.
You can extend them a helping hand by simply donating an unwanted vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations.
We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give to sustain their delivery of financial aid, free medical treatment, employment opportunities, housing assistance, family support, psychotherapy services, and other essential services to their veteran beneficiaries.
You won’t go home empty-handed after making your donation. You’ll get to receive the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle in your mailbox within 30 days after its sale. This will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
You will also benefit from our free vehicle removal services, which we offer to our donors in all parts of the country.
Furthermore, your act of charity will give you that priceless feeling of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be helping uplift the lives of the heroes residing in your area.
We accept almost all types of vehicles, including those that are no longer running.
To learn more about our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or send us a message here.
Show Our Heroes You Care
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The winter months are lonelier and much more challenging for our disadvantaged veterans. Donating a vehicle for their benefit can warm their hearts in so many ways. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 24th, 2023