Winterize Your Vehicle and Stay Safe on the Road

Battery Care

In Phoenix, where the heat is intense, car batteries have a unique lifespan. It's essential to be aware of your battery's age and charge. Most car batteries have a round sticker on the side indicating the month and year of manufacture. If your battery is two or more years old, it's advisable to take your vehicle to an auto shop for a battery test. New car batteries can range from $100 to $250, and a three-year warranty is recommended to ensure a replacement is covered. Remember, being proactive in checking your battery can save you from being stranded on the road.

During the winter months, the temperature shock that batteries experience can be a significant issue. Many people forget about their battery's age until it's too late. By regularly checking your battery and being proactive, you can avoid the hassle of a dead battery and the associated costs of a jump start or battery replacement.

Tire Maintenance

Before embarking on a winter road trip, it's crucial to check your vehicle's tires. Most people are unaware of their tire's age, but the federal mandate states that any tire that is five years or older should be replaced due to dry rotting. You can check your tire's sidewall for the week number and year of manufacture. If a tire reads 1219, it was manufactured in March 2019 and needs to be replaced.

During long road trips, especially in colder months, tire rubber expands and retracts. This can lead to tire pressure warnings in newer vehicles. However, it's important to note that these changes are often normal with weather changes. It's still essential to check your tires whenever pressure warnings occur and use a small tire pressure gauge to monitor them. Avoid overfilling your tires, as the recommended rule of thumb is never to go over 3 PSI above the recommended pressure.

Coolant Check

Although Phoenix residents don't typically have to worry about deep freezes, if you're driving to areas like Flagstaff or Show Low, it's important to ensure your vehicle's coolant is properly mixed. Antifreeze coolant is a mixture of water and glycol that prevents the engine from freezing and overheating. If there is too much water diluting the coolant, it can freeze and damage the engine. Bringing your vehicle to an auto shop to check the water-glycol ratio is a wise precaution.

During the winter, it's essential to keep your coolant at the correct level to ensure your engine runs smoothly. By taking the time to have your coolant checked, you can avoid costly engine repairs and ensure a safe winter driving experience.

Wiper Blade Replacement

Windshield wipers may not get much use in Phoenix, but they are crucial when driving in wetter areas. During the summer, windshield wipers can dry out and become brittle, leading to streaks, malfunctions, or even damage to the windshield. It's important to monitor your wiper blades and replace them if they are old and dry.

A simple hack to ensure your windshield wipers survive Phoenix's dry weather is to run a baby wipe with rubbing alcohol along the wiper and apply a small amount of Vaseline to lubricate the rubber. This can help keep the wiper blades moist and pliable, extending their lifespan. Standard, cheaper wiper blades can cost between $5 and $15 and are just as effective as name-brand wipers.

Being Proactive on the Road

Even after checking your vehicle's various components, it's important to be cautious when traveling to potentially dangerous weather and road conditions. Having an emergency kit in your vehicle is essential, including flares, blankets, batteries, a good flashlight, and jumper cables. Writing down important phone numbers and emergency contacts on a piece of paper and placing it in the glove box can also be a lifesaver in case your phone dies during a breakdown.

Checking the weather and printing a map of your route with gas stations and rest areas highlighted can help prevent surprises during a road trip. Additionally, visiting an auto shop before your winter vacation to ensure your vehicle is in good condition can give you peace of mind and ensure a safe journey.