The sight of your breath just after leaving your house is usually a good sign to head back and get a hat to protect yourself from the cold. Similarly, when cold weather hits and you start seeing harmless, steamy, white exhaust from your car, it's usually a smoky sign that you should protect your car from the cold as well.
Cars and the cold don't get along, says Jim MacPherson, automotive author and car care expert. The plummeting temperatures cause all kinds of problems, so in order to stay safe, save money and reduce fuel consumption, it's important to keep your car properly maintained and tuned.
MacPherson says take care of your car in the winter weather and it will keep you from being left out in the cold. He offers some useful tips on keeping your car in tip-top winter condition, including:
- In cold weather a battery's cranking power is reduced significantly - make sure to always check to see that your battery and charging system are in good operating condition.
- Coolant should be changed every two years; extended-life coolants last about five. Check for leaking or soft hoses and replace immediately.
- Be sure to use a synthetic motor oil and make sure your engine is well-lubricated
- Examine your tires, checking for excessive wear and proper inflation. Good tread is needed to stay safe on snow and ice.
- You should always allow your car to idle for a few seconds to warm-up after starting the engine. This ensures that lubrication is circulated throughout the engine.
