Ask your technician what antifreeze should be used for your vehicle and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent against corrosion and potential freezing. Cooling system – It is recommended to maintain a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water.It is recommended that your auto care provider installs a battery at or above 600 CCA for optimal winter performance. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down increases. Battery – Battery power decreases as the temperature drops, meaning that it takes more power to start your car in the winter. ![]() HAVE YOUR CAR SERVICED FOR WINTER CONDITIONSīefore you hit any harsh winter conditions, have your vehicle serviced to prepare it for the challenges winter can pose. This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.1. Keep your car packed with supplies, such as a fully charged cell phone or battery, jumper cables, flashlight, roadside flares, blankets, ponchos, an ice scraper, first-aid kit, and non-perishable food items, such as protein bars, nuts, and granola. Keep an eye on tire pressure during the winter, and don’t forget to let out a small bit of air when temperatures increase again in the spring. Inflate your tires to the proper psi to ensure safe traction while driving through winter weather. Check tire pressure.Ĭold weather causes the air pressure in your tires to drop, which could affect your driving control, gas mileage, and more. Depending on where you live, you may wish to purchase special blades designed specifically for winter. Wiper blades should be replaced every year. It is also essential to have effective windshield wipers, as you may need them for the inclement weather. Fix any bulbs that have gone out, and consider replacing any foggy or yellowed headlights. The sun sets much earlier in the day during the winter, so it is crucial that your car’s lights are functioning properly. Make sure your headlights and windshield are in good shape. It should be a 50:50 ratio of antifreeze to water. Ask a licensed mechanic to check the battery for corrosion, and while they’re at it, ask to have the antifreeze mixture checked as well. Winter weather can be hard on your car battery, so it is best to add an inspection to your winter maintenance checklist. Consider adding extra insulation to your pipes, and fill any cracks or holes near existing pipes. ![]() In order to prevent this from happening to you, first turn off and drain any outdoor faucets (this includes sprinkler systems).Īnother important tip: Keep your thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees, even if you are away from your home. You hear it often–frozen pipes can be a potentially huge and expensive problem. If you have pets, check that the product is safe for animals. Prevent accidents, protect assetsĪlways have snow-melting materials on hand to prevent slip and fall accidents. This can create several problems, from deteriorating the exterior of your home to water seeping into the foundation of your house and into the basement. Leftover leaves from the fall can build up in your gutters and cause water to overflow down the sides of your house. This is a perfect time to check your gutters as well. Have them check for any leaks or other issues that could damage your home. Conduct a roof and gutter check.īefore the snow and ice arrive, consult roofing professionals to determine if your roof can withstand this year’s winter storms. You may want them to also check your heating ducts, just to make sure that everything is functional and ready to go when you need it. The inspector should monitor carbon monoxide, clean the filter, motor, and inspect the piping. It is recommended that you hire a NATE certified technician to inspect the system if possible. Take this time to ensure that everything looks normal with your heating and air conditioning system. Maintain the heating and cooling system in your home. See more of our winter cost-saving energy tips here. Either option could help save energy and money. ![]() There are also energy-efficient fiberglass doors available. To fix this problem, try installing a draft guard on the bottom of your door. This can drive up energy costs significantly. Your Home Check doors and windows for cold air leaks and/or drafts.įirst up on your winter home maintenance checklist is to check the doors and windows in your home to make sure no cold air is seeping in. The coldest months of the year are upon us, and so are winter storms! Follow our checklist to prepare your home and car for the coming winter. Your Winter Home and Car Maintenance Checklist
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