How Winterizing Your Car Now Could Save You from Scary, Pricey Mistakes

It’s October and while most people think of cooler days, pumpkins, and scary ghosts and goblins on Halloween, there is one thing that is truly scary and that is NOT winterizing your vehicle.

Let’s face it, Chicagoans are accustomed to winter weather. We take it on like a champ, but your car isn’t quite as accommodating. 

If the thought of what it costs to winterize your car sounds scary, we want to tell you what is even more frightening- what can happen if you don’t! 

Let’s handle winter like winners and face the facts about winterizing your ride before the weather turns really ugly. 

The Truth about the Scary Stuff That Can Happen 

While we enjoy Halloween as much as the next person, and we don’t want to sound alarmist, you can’t ignore the fact that if you fail to get your vehicle prepped for winter before the first big snowstorm, which usually occurs in November, you might find yourself in a truly scary situation. 

• You may find that your vehicle refuses to start
• You could hit a curb, object, or another car if the wipers only smear the snow/rain/mud
• The vehicle may stall and fail to restart
• The risk of a breakdown is much greater
• You can slide on bald or inappropriate tires

While it’s true that cars made after the 1980s aren’t as affected quite as much as older vehicles, the last thing anyone wants is to be stranded somewhere with a dead car in the middle of winter. 

What Winterizing Your Vehicle Involves

Chicago winters are hard on any car. Below freezing temps, snow, road/salt residue, ice, and freezing rain are some of the scariest aspects of old man winter. 

If you prepare your vehicle early, you have a much better chance of making it through the winter unscathed! 

Some of the items inspected, along with repairs or replacements that should happen with your vehicle include: 

• Good Visibility- This is vital when driving in a snowstorm. If your wipers leave streaks or if the wiper fluid is frozen, you risk hitting something (or being hit by something). Wipers should be replaced, and the windshield washer fluid should be replaced with fluid that contains antifreeze compounds. 
• Inspect the Heating System- The heating/defrost system should be inspected to be sure that it works properly and does not leak. If you have an electric rear window and/or outside mirror defroster, it should also be checked that it is in good working order. 
• Switch to Winter Tires- If you drive quite a bit, especially if you live outside the city limits, you may benefit from switching to winter tires. These tires have special tread and rubber compounds that give them better traction. Even if you decide to stick with your all-season tires, you should have them inspected for excessive wear or unusual wear patterns. 
• Inspect the Battery- Most batteries only last 3-5 years. Weak batteries will die on the first day temps dip into the 30s. If your battery is more than 4 years old, you should replace it as a matter of safety. Both the battery and the charging system should be inspected. 
• Inspect the Cooling System- The extreme heat of summer can rot away rubber hoses and with the first days of freezing temps, hoses (and belts) can crack open and break. If you haven’t flushed the system in the past 2 years, this is the perfect time to do so. The entire system can be checked for wear and leaks, and fresh antifreeze can be added so you have the ultimate protection. 
• Check the Oil- Engine oil becomes thicker when it is cold, which makes it harder for the engine to turn over, which makes it harder for the battery to supply the energy to do so. Check your owner’s manual and use the recommended oil for winter weather. If you need to change it, October is the perfect month to change the oil to a winter grade. 
• Inspect the Doors and Tailgates- Everyone will experience being locked out of their vehicle due to frozen locks or latches. Just a few drops of water can freeze the door and prevent you from opening it. Latches and the keyholes should be lubricated before it starts to rain to ensure ease of operation. 
• Inspect the 4WD or AWD System- If your vehicle has All Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) you should be certain that you understand how to use the system, and have it inspected to be sure that it is in good working order. Nothing stinks more than trying to get yourself out of a snowbank with your 4WD only to find that it won’t engage, and you are stuck. 

There are other things you can do to protect your vehicle, but they won’t affect the drivability, such as washing the undercarriage regularly, waxing the paint and wheels to protect the paint and finish, as well as restocking your emergency bag in case you should become stranded for some reason. 

It’s also a good idea to never let the gas tank fall below half full and keep your cell phone fully charged. 

October is Scary but Winterizing Your Car- Not so Much

You might feel overwhelmed looking at the list above, and if you find something that needs repair, who has time for that? 

Take the fear out of winterizing your vehicle by taking it to the experts at Hong Kong Auto Service. 

We know all about those scary Chicago winters and we know what to do to get your car, truck, or SUV ready for those ugly winter days. 

Our prices aren’t frightening, either. Call us and compare. We know that we are competitively priced and can do the job right the first time. 

Call the pros at Hong Kong Auto Service today so you can enjoy being frightened by those Halloween movies, but you won’t be scared about starting or driving your vehicle this winter.