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September 30, 2008

Winterizing vehicle ‘simple’ process

By Bridget Nash, Staff Writer

Considering the glorious autumn weather of late, it is hard to believe the cold winter months are right around the corner. Yet, it’s time to dig out those winter sweaters, chop some firewood and winterize your vehicle.

In order to make sure a vehicle is prepared for the cold, there are several things that need to be done.

“It’s a few, simple steps,” said Dale Roller, owner of Enid’s Auto Clinic.

The first thing to consider is the vehicle’s tires.

“I would check the tires and make sure they have a good tread,” he said.

Having the right amount of air in the tires also is important.

Roller also said all the car’s fluids need to be checked.

“You need to check your coolant pH and your coolant freeze point,” said Todd McCollough, owner of Enid’s Auto Shop.

The coolant needs a pH of eight and a freeze point of negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit, said McCollough.

“If (the antifreeze) is weak, I recommend flushing the system,” Roller said.



Another important aspect of a vehicle’s winter preparation is replacing the wiper blades, he said.

It is important to remember not all “quick lube” establishments automatically check all of the car’s fluids or other things that need to be checked before winter, said McCol-lough. When taking a car in to make sure it is prepared for the winter, be sure to tell them everything you would like checked.

“It’s a really good idea, if you haven’t done this stuff, at least do it by October,” said McCollough.

In addition to winterizing your car, it also is important to keep several emergency preparedness items in your vehicle during the winter months.

Several Web sites, including the American Red Cross site, redcross.org, have issued suggestions for a winter survival kit for vehicles. Items that should be kept in a vehicle during the winter include:

• Extra blankets.

• Crackers, granola bars or other non-perishable food.

• Waterproof matches, candles and something, such as a coffee can, to use for burning candles.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Tool and first aid kits.

• Shovel.

• Jumper cables.

• Tire chains.

• Battery powered radio or emergency weather radio.

• Bottled water.

• Ice scraper.

It may be helpful to have signal flares as well as extra gloves, coats, boots and socks in case the ones the driver or passengers are wearing get wet.

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