How to prepare the car for winter? – Telemundo New York (47)

NEW YORK – The cold months are approaching and with them the possibility of snow storms and other seasonal complications related to low temperatures.

For those who drive, these types of conditions could bring failure to their cars and that is why it is essential to prepare the vehicles before winter arrives.

Here we share some recommendations of the AAA so you have on hand and you can check your car. In addition, the agency also provides a list of the kit What should be in the car?

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR WINTER

1. Battery and charging system: Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather.
2. Battery cables and terminals: Make sure battery terminals and cable ends are free of corrosion and connections are tight.
3. Transmission belts: Inspect the bottom of the drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made from materials that show no obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000 mile intervals.
4. engine hoses: Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks, or loose clamps. Also, tighten hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feel.
5. Tire type and tread: In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels provides the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions, as long as they have the proper tread depth. Replaces any tire that has less than 3/32″ of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance, or suspension issues that need to be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
6. tire pressure: Check the tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more often in the fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures, typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in your owner’s manual or on a decal usually found on the driver’s side door jamb.
7. Air filter: Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, change it.
8. coolant levels: Checks the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capacity. Test the level of antifreeze protection annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.
9. Lights: Checks the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, and reversing lights. Replace burned out bulbs.
10. Wiper washer: The wipers must completely clean the glass each time they pass. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or gaps. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the frame of the blade in a rubber sleeve to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good blade-to-glass contact.
11. washing liquid: Fill your windshield washer fluid with a winter cleaning solution that has anti-freeze components to keep it from freezing.
12. Brakes: If there is any indication of a problem with the brakes, have the system inspected by a certified technician to make sure all components are working properly.
13. Transmission, brake and power steering fluids: Check all fluids to make sure they are at or above minimum safe levels.

Winter roadside emergency kit:

• Pre-programmed mobile phone with rescue apps and important phone numbers, including family and emergency services, and car charger.
• Drinking water.
• First aid box.
• Snacks non-perishable for humans and pets.
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, kitty litter) or traction mats.
• Snow shovel.
• Things.
• Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves).
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Windshield wiper solvent.
• Ice scraper with brush.
• Cloth or roll of paper towels.
• Jump cables.
• Warning devices (canes or triangles).
• Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).