Fuzzy Bus

When I think back on winter as a child, I recall carefree days of playing in the snow, sledding down the hills, and rejoicing over the too few days of cancelled school. Now as an adult I am aware of the challenges that winter presents. Broken heaters, frozen pipes, sick children and icy roads are just a few of the many inconveniences that winter presents. But while we are busy trying to keep the house standing and the family healthy, we do not want to forget about the real troopers–our cars. Driving the hazardous, snowy roads with the possibility of sliding off the road at any moment is not the only potential risk to our winter-worn vehicles.
It is important, before those dreaded winter months hit, to take your car in for a tune-up. Checking all the belts, hoses, and wires should ensure that everything is functioning properly. Also, don’t forget to have them check the brakes. Sliding down an icy hill would be a most unfortunate time to have your brakes go out. You can also have your fluids changed at this time as well. Change out your washer fluid and make sure your vehicle is set on antifreeze/ coolant. Not enough and your fluids will freeze and cause key elements in your engine to crack–a costly and time consuming repair. Your auto parts store will have a variety of different kinds; some made especially for those who particularly cold climates.
Once your inside is set it is time to move on to the outside. To protect your paint from the massive amounts of salt it will be driving through this winter, begin by giving it a good wash. When it is nice and clean you can put a special sealant on your car to protect it from all the salt build up. The key is to keep it clean all winter. It sounds daunting, but by hosing down the exterior, and especially the undercarriage, you can prevent rusting which could lead to severe damage and more costly repairs.
While your looking at the outside check out those custom wheels and tires. Look for any tread wear or balding that could lead to poor traction on the roadways and a potentially dangerous situation. It is also important that your tires are properly inflated. If you have 20 inch rims made of steel, you will want to replace them with 20″ rims stock rims to avoid rust.
The key to keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape during the winter is planning ahead. If you take the necessary steps early on you are that much closer to ensuring a fun, safe winter.