Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter

You went out to start your car this morning and it started, but only after a few tries. The engine is a little sluggish, but hey, that’s normal for winter.

You head out for work and see that stop sign at the end of the street. Next thing you know, you’re sliding through the intersection with that terrified look on your face.

You weren’t prepared for this, were you?

Living in Wyoming, most of us know its never too early to get your vehicle ready for the long winter ahead, but sometimes its good to have a reminder before Old Man Winter gets a grip.

The easiest thing to do is get a few essentials together to keep in your car in case of an emergency.

Make sure your spare tire is good and that you have the right tools to change that tire if necessary. Oil, washer fluid and coolant are good to have in the trunk along with an ice scraper, flashlights or flares and even an extra pair of gloves, boots and a blanket.

Its always a good idea to have bottled water and snacks, like jerky, cookies or chips if you happen to get stranded on the road. If you’re traveling with an infant, always have extra formula or baby food on hand, too.

You probably don’t use your four-wheel drive except in winter, so now would be a good time to give yourself a little refresher course on how it works. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on the different environments to use it in and how to engage it. While most newer cars have on-the-fly four-wheel drive, some older models still require you to lock in your hubs, so its best to know well ahead of time what you have and how to get it going.

Contrary to most opinions, four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you can drive any faster than conditions call for. It isn’t a save-all when it comes to slick roads. It does improve your traction from a stationary position such as at a stop light, but it doesn’t make your tires grip the pavement any better when you brake.

Hot weather and cold weather can take a toll on your engine’s belts and hoses, so checking those now could save you heartache later. If you’re not mechanically minded, make an appointment with your mechanic to have a winter check done to see how things are holding up.

You can’t drive if you can’t see, so have your windshield wipers checked and replaced if necessary. Wiper fluid is a must and many are now rated to -30 degrees and lower, perfect for keeping the windshield clear in snow and ice.

When you’re scraping your windows in the morning don’t forget to clear the snow away from the wipers and the mechanism that makes them move, close to the windshield. Heavy snow and ice buildup on the mechanism can make them move slowly and even cause them to not work at all.

And speaking of ice, check your defroster and your heater while you’re at it. That defroster not only warms your windshield to make snow and ice easier to scrape, it eliminates the fog that can accumulate from just breathing inside your car.

Some of tempt fate by letting our cars “run on fumes” from time to time before hitting the gas station.

In winter, that’s really not a good idea. You not only run the risk of getting stranded, but it can inflict damage with cold and constantly shifting temperatures creating condensation on the walls of your gas tank.

That water will eventually drip down into your gas and since water is heavier, it will eventually find its way into your fuel lines, freeze up and block the flow to your engine. Engine repairs can be costly, so topping off that tank before it gets too low will save you a ton of money in the long run.

Antifreeze. Just the word speaks for itself. Its important to keep your engine from freezing during the cold months, but just as important for keeping your vehicle from overheating in the summer.

The ratio of antifreeze to water should be 50/50, but you don’t have to stand over your engine with a measuring cup. You can purchase pre-mixed bottles of antifreeze just about anywhere and its pretty cheap. Much cheaper than the gasket or two you could blow if the antifreeze runs out.

Check your oil and fill if necessary, using the proper viscosity as advised by your owner’s manual and check your battery, too.

Most batteries are good for three to five years, so its ideal to keep track of when you purchased a new one so you can buy when they’re on sale. Winter months are hard on your engine and this can put a lot more pressure on your battery.

Along with snow comes ice and that’s when your tires are most important. Make sure they have a proper amount of tread and they’re inflated to the proper pressure. Tires with low pressure cause the treads to close up and you lose traction, upping your chances of sliding.

Some people opt for buying snow tires to replace their regular tires in the winter as they offer improved traction, braking and control.

On the other hand, sometimes the best idea is to just stay home, cuddle up in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and put off going anywhere as you watch the snow fall outside.

Whatever course you choose, be safe this winter.