Calling all cars to prepare for the hazards of winter
Winters in South Texas are usually fairly mild, but sometimes fronts can bring freezing or near-freezing temperatures, catching residents unprepared.
One of the ways you can get ready is by making sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date. Taking time to know what shape your vehicle is in could make a difference in colder weather.
Maintain tire pressure
One of the most common scenarios drivers come across during colder temperatures is starting their car and finding the tire pressure light is on.
Temperature variations and cold will affect tire pressure. That’s because the air molecules bouncing inside the tires slow with the lack of heat. The air molecules, now with much less energy, take up less space inside the tire and produce lower air pressure.
Most vehicles on the road today have tire pressure sensors that trigger a warning light when tire pressures drop. Many gas stations have air pumps you can use to refill the tire, but you can also take the car to an auto shop if you want to make sure nothing else is wrong with the tire.
Keep in mind that some car tires are filled with nitrogen instead of common air. These tires likely have green valve caps or an “N2” marking on the cap.
Nitrogen tires are supposed to lose less pressure, but tests by Consumer Reports found nitrogen still escapes the tire over time, so regularly check the pressure. The pressure for nitrogen tires are also subject to temperature change, according to Discount Tire’s website.
Also check the treads on your tires, and get them rotated and aligned to reduce the risk of hydroplaning or skidding on ice.
Use the defroster
A defroster clears condensation from windows, and melts frost, ice and snow. It works through the car’s air-conditioning system to remove moisture from the air and therefore on windows.
“If you have problems with your AC, your defroster is not going to work as effectively,” Robert Sexton from Clear Lake Auto Service said. “Obviously, blowing warm air on it will clear it better than nothing, but the AC compressor will remove moisture from the air much better and keeps it that way.”
Most cars have modes on the defroster, such “full defrost,” in which air is blown through the dash vents; “bi-level” defrost, which blows air on the window and on your feet; and the rear defroster that activates a grid of wires on the inside of the glass that defogs and melts ice.
“In our area we don’t have to worry as much about ice on our windows,” Sexton said. “We may get it occasionally, but the defroster will remove the ice eventually, but it will take it a long time. If you have ice on the outside of your window, don’t count on (the defroster) to get it off. You should scrape it off.”
Other tips
Make sure the cooling system has all its fluids and is operating correctly: If the car’s thermostat has a leak or is stuck open, it won’t be able to reach its proper operating temperature. Usually, if the engine isn’t reaching its proper temperature, the check engine light will come on.
Gets belts and hoses inspected: If a hose ruptures when the weather is cold and rainy, it could make the day worse as you sit on the side of the road waiting for help. While you’re getting an oil change, have the fluids, belts and hoses inspected. .
Check your car’s cabin air filter: Your car’s cabin air filter cleans the circulating air, but it also protects your car’s evaporator core from dirt. If the evaporator core gets restricted, it will affect the flow of air through the car’s vents, and the performance of the heater and defroster.
Update your car’s windshield wipers and fluid: Older windshield wipers in freezing weather can deteriorate or break and won’t be effective against ice or snow.
Make sure car lights are working: During winter, fog and rain will impair a driver’s vision. If any lights are not working properly, it will not only reduce your visibility but also make you less visible to others on the road.