ALT-1 Essential Steps to Winterize your Car
Growing up in severe winter weather conditions, it was only natural to winterize the car each year. The oil grade was changed, the radiator antifreeze checked, the battery cables cleaned and tightened, the summer tires removed and the snow tires fitted. When the below freezing temperatures came and the feet of snow piled up, life went on as normal.
But what about winterizing a car in more mild climates? One would think that if the chance of freezing temperatures and feet of snow are low and the presence of only endless rain and drizzle is the reality, one wouldn't need to do anything to prepare the car for such a winter. But that would be wrong.
The very first step to winterizing a car in rainy climates is to, of course, prepare for the rain.
Tires:
A good set of performance rain tires is a must. Many tires are designed today to help prevent the car from hydroplaning in standing or deep water. This is especially important on highways and interstates as the traffic rarely slows down during the rainy season. All season tires are great in more mild climates as well since, occasionally, there is a chance of snow. And because there is always that rare, but true chance that it just might snow, it is important to keep a set of snow chains in the trunk of the car. Many tire companies in these type of climates will sell chains at the beginning of the season, offering the customer to return them for a full refund in the spring if the chains are unused. But since they are such a great safety precaution, why not hang on to them. One never knows when they might come in handy!
Windshield:
An amazing product that can be found in these climates at any supermarket chain store is a windshield rain repellent called Rain-X. By following the instructions on the label, the product causes a whisking action of the rain, keeping visibility through the windshield extremely high, even during heavy downpours, day or night. Following this up with new windshield wiper blades will keep driving confidence strong. Rain-X also makes a product that helps prevent fogging on the inside of the car windows. Again, by following the instructions on the label, the need for running the air conditioner or even the defog setting is greatly reduced, keeping all windows clear.
Not to be forgotten, however, is the windshield washer fluid. Even in mild climates it is still important to change the fluid to an antifreeze variety. Even a quick dip of the thermometer to below freezing can prevent the use of regular windshield washer fluid. This could be potentially hazardous if the windshield is suddenly covered in mud or grime and there is no washer fluid to remove it quickly.
Sunglasses:
Yes, even during the rainy winter months, it is recommended to wear some form of sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses protect the eyes from ever present UVA/UVB rays, they also help increase visibility while driving. While dark glasses may be great for strong sunshine, amber colored lenses are ideal for cloudy or rainy driving conditions.
Be Prepared for Almost Anything:
Since weather is unpredictable, it is a good idea to have a few winter items stowed away in the trunk along with the tire chains, just in case. Using a plastic storage bin with lid, place inside an umbrella, blanket, snow hat, snow gloves, boots, scarf, de-icer or cat litter, snow brush, the phone number for a local towing company and the phone number for local travel conditions. When traveling longer or rural distances, add bottles of water and a few food provisions to this list. This way, no matter what "old man winter" may do, winterized cars everywhere will be prepared.
