got this from a friend in Lubbock. would have been better to received it yesterday.
He didn't mention keeping your gas tank full or close to full. a very low or almost empty tank on a cold day will form condensation inside and then you have water in your gas and all kinds of problems. If you drive a diesel there is a potential for the fuel to gel in very cold weather. Power Service has a product with an anti gel compound.
Jim
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Hey folks,
I know its cold and you might have needed this before now but better late than never. Most anything you do that is normal maintenance is important but should already be done. Just a few small things that can make you life easier in this weather we have across the country.
Under the hood: Antifreeze, folks this one isn't too hard but should be done right. You can get a tester pretty cheap at most any parts store. I can't tell you what level you need to protect to in your area but -20°F is a good place to start. For the southern US that is pretty much a standard, folks up north consult you dealership or mechanic. Check it in the radiator not the overflow jug (surge tank systems check the tank.) Many time crud clogs the tube between the overflow and your radiator and what is in the tank isn't the same as whats in the radiator.
Batteries, in cold weather the cranking amperage (that is what gets the motor turning) is lower. Clean battery terminals are important because if the terminals are corroded there is less surface for that amperage to flow. If you have to jump start a car in freezing weather be careful, it doesn't always happen but it does from time to time, batteries that are frozen can explode. I've seen several and even had one do it to me (that was in Georgia.) If a battery is weak the electrolyte level is low and it can freeze easier, add extended time in freezing weather and the potential is there for a frozen battery. If you can remove the battery and move it to a warm place to thaw, obviously do not put it near a fire. Once thawed reinstall it and jump start it.
Tires, I know some folks think running lower pressure is best. Well it depends, most cases I recommend running the proper pressure so that the most surface area is contacting the road. Check your tire pressure! many forget this in the colder months. If chains are legal in your area and you have them make sure they are in the car and fit your tires correctly, just because the box says they fit doesn't mean they will, check them before you need them. Alignment is also more critical when driving on frozen roadways.
4WD verses 2WD verses FWD. Folks, when braking on a frozen roadway it doesn't matter what you have, all cars and trucks can loose it when braking on a frozen road surface. Yes when taking off FWD and 4WD is helpful, but once traction is loss its not.
Anti lockbrakes, have you ever felt your anti lock brake engage? If not and you can find a flat road surface that doesn't have a ditch on the sides go out and get the car going (not too fast, go just under the normal speed limit if its safe to go that fast on the surface) and slam on the brakes. In the majority of cases what you will feel is the brake pedal bouncing (we reffer to it as pulsating) and you will hear a loud noise. This is normal when the system engages, if you have experienced it then you are better prepared for when you need it to save your backside.
Keep in mind most all of this is in general, some cases may be different but if you follow these guidelines it can make your winter driving easier.
BTW it might be nice if folks post what kind of emergency supplies they keep in there cars. For us, a minor tool kit, ice scraper, blankets, first aid kit, flares, flashlights (more than one) with fresh batteries and a gas can. Now if we know we are going on a road trip I do add more, but for every day around town that's it.
He didn't mention keeping your gas tank full or close to full. a very low or almost empty tank on a cold day will form condensation inside and then you have water in your gas and all kinds of problems. If you drive a diesel there is a potential for the fuel to gel in very cold weather. Power Service has a product with an anti gel compound.
Jim
------------------------------------
Hey folks,
I know its cold and you might have needed this before now but better late than never. Most anything you do that is normal maintenance is important but should already be done. Just a few small things that can make you life easier in this weather we have across the country.
Under the hood: Antifreeze, folks this one isn't too hard but should be done right. You can get a tester pretty cheap at most any parts store. I can't tell you what level you need to protect to in your area but -20°F is a good place to start. For the southern US that is pretty much a standard, folks up north consult you dealership or mechanic. Check it in the radiator not the overflow jug (surge tank systems check the tank.) Many time crud clogs the tube between the overflow and your radiator and what is in the tank isn't the same as whats in the radiator.
Batteries, in cold weather the cranking amperage (that is what gets the motor turning) is lower. Clean battery terminals are important because if the terminals are corroded there is less surface for that amperage to flow. If you have to jump start a car in freezing weather be careful, it doesn't always happen but it does from time to time, batteries that are frozen can explode. I've seen several and even had one do it to me (that was in Georgia.) If a battery is weak the electrolyte level is low and it can freeze easier, add extended time in freezing weather and the potential is there for a frozen battery. If you can remove the battery and move it to a warm place to thaw, obviously do not put it near a fire. Once thawed reinstall it and jump start it.
Tires, I know some folks think running lower pressure is best. Well it depends, most cases I recommend running the proper pressure so that the most surface area is contacting the road. Check your tire pressure! many forget this in the colder months. If chains are legal in your area and you have them make sure they are in the car and fit your tires correctly, just because the box says they fit doesn't mean they will, check them before you need them. Alignment is also more critical when driving on frozen roadways.
4WD verses 2WD verses FWD. Folks, when braking on a frozen roadway it doesn't matter what you have, all cars and trucks can loose it when braking on a frozen road surface. Yes when taking off FWD and 4WD is helpful, but once traction is loss its not.
Anti lockbrakes, have you ever felt your anti lock brake engage? If not and you can find a flat road surface that doesn't have a ditch on the sides go out and get the car going (not too fast, go just under the normal speed limit if its safe to go that fast on the surface) and slam on the brakes. In the majority of cases what you will feel is the brake pedal bouncing (we reffer to it as pulsating) and you will hear a loud noise. This is normal when the system engages, if you have experienced it then you are better prepared for when you need it to save your backside.
Keep in mind most all of this is in general, some cases may be different but if you follow these guidelines it can make your winter driving easier.
BTW it might be nice if folks post what kind of emergency supplies they keep in there cars. For us, a minor tool kit, ice scraper, blankets, first aid kit, flares, flashlights (more than one) with fresh batteries and a gas can. Now if we know we are going on a road trip I do add more, but for every day around town that's it.