Tips for Using Your Car in Cold Weather

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

13 Jan 2009 12:41 PM

If you are like most people, you rely on your car daily or almost daily to get you to where you need to go. Whether it is a commute to work, trips to the grocery store or runs to soccer, girl scouts and other kid-related activities, you car needs to continue to work even when the temperature drops into the single digits. Here are some tips to ensure that your car will be reliable, even in the cold, and that you won't be faced with an otherwise avoidable repair bill.

Car maintenance is very important in the winter. You should make sure of the following:

Your car battery is in good condition, which is fully charged and with tight, secure cables.

Your car hasn't been sitting outside in the cold for more than a few days without being started.

Your car should have full levels of coolant and antifreeze.

Make sure that you always turn off your car windshield wipers (don''t forget the one on the back) before turning off your car. The wiper could potentially freeze into place. Then when you start the car again, the motor will act on the wiper and can cause the wiper arm to break.

You should make sure to run your vehicle for a few moments to make sure that it is warmed up before you head out. I remember one time when I lost my power steering on my old car because the fluid had frozen! I was halfway down the street when I realized it.

If you have a garage, use it. Winter is particularly harsh on cars. Why leave an expensive item exposed to the elements while you keep a bunch of junk in the garage?

Get your car washed regularly. Salt that is deposited on the road in anticipation of snow and ice can eat away at the paint on your car.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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ruthann8 (6378) 17 Jan 2009 08:39 PM

A few extra tips: There is an additive you can add to your gas tank called, Heat, it takes out all the excess water making it easier on your car to start and prevents gas line freezes. You should also always fill your tank up once you are down to 1/2 a tank. That way you have plenty of gas if you would get stranded.

And don't park in a large puddle if the temperature is supposed to drop. I did that once and my car was frozen to the ground for several days :(

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 18 Jan 2009 05:39 PM

Thanks for the tip ruthann! I forgot all about gas additive. And your car was frozen--oh I can just picture it. :)