Pat Lazzaro, a professional race-car driver, shares her tips on preparing a car for colder weather.
- In the event of a breakdown, you want to make sure you're fully covered with essential items. Items to have around include an extra pair of warm, sturdy walking shoes, some gloves, a hat and a scarf in the event that you become stranded.
- Check battery for loose cables. If the battery is more than three years old, have it checked by a professional, and replace if necessary.
- Check all fluid levels (transmission, brake, etc.). Change oil and oil filter, and replace old oil with a lighter-weight oil, which is better for winter use.
- Fill the radiator with a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. Be sure to test the mixture for a temperature of -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Two methods to test this are a sample tester that looks and acts similar to a turkey baster and a testing paper that acts like a litmus paper.
- Make your own nonfreezing windshield-washer solvent: Combine one quart rubbing alcohol, one cup of water and two tablespoons of liquid detergent. This formula will not freeze down to 35 degrees below zero.
- To eliminate windshield freeze-ups when parked outdoors, place rubber floor mats over (on the outside of) the windshield. Secure the mat with windshield wipers. You will save yourself the chore of scraping.
- Have a friend help you check all lights and flashers. If they're not working properly, replace them.
- To prevent the fuel line from freezing, keep the gas tank as full as possible at all times.
- Lubricate all locks and hinges with "penetrating oil." This displaces any moisture, thus eliminating the possibility of ice forming.
- To prevent the door seals from freezing, wipe all rubber-door gaskets with vegetable oil on a rag. The oil will seal out water but will not harm the gasket. This is especially good before washing your car on a cold day.
- Deep tire treads mean safe winter driving. Use a penny to check the tread depth. Turn the head of the penny upside down so that President Lincoln is standing on his head. Place the penny between two center treads on the tire. If you can see the top of old Abe’s head over the top of the tread, the tread is too thin-- less than 1/32 inch.
- Prepare a winter survival kit that includes the following:
- quality jumper cables
- a bag of cat litter (to sprinkle under the tires if stuck in the snow)
- blankets
- water in 3/4 full bottles (to allow room for freezing)
- food (snack bars, canned food with an opener)
- first-aid kit
- fire extinguisher
- flashlight (with extra batteries)
- battery-powered radio
- a fully charged cellular phone--no service is needed, as 911 works regardless
