Car Tips for Cold and Snowy Winter Weather

My city of Philly is getting slammed with a cold, cold, cold, snow storm tonight and tomorrow.  Your favorite female auto mechanic in heels decided to give you some useful car tips for you to survive in cold and snowy winter weather!Cars-stuck-in-the-snow-on-006

  • Stay in the house! - It is seriously cold and snowy so if you can avoid going out while it is snowing, do it.
  • Warming up the car - I talked about this a few weeks ago in Ain't Nobody Got Time for That.  Basically, above 20 deg F you can get in and go (gently).  Below 20 deg F warm up for 2-3 minutes.
  • Tire Air Pressure - Make sure you have the proper air pressure in your tires.  This will help with traction and also if you are stuck in the snow.
  • Don't get stuck in the snow - Keep a bag of salt or kitty liter, to help melt snow and a small shovel, to help dig out snow if any tires do get stuck.
  • Gas does not freeze - Unless you are having issues with moisture in your tank, gas does not freeze at lower temperatures.  No need to insert any additives in your gas tank.
  • Clean off your car of snow and ice - Don't be that person driving down the street with snow and ice flying from your car because you didn't properly clean it off.  It is really dangerous to you and those driving around you.  Make sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush in your trunk to wipe all the snow and ice before you take off.
  • Related to the tip above, don't turn on your windshield wipers until all snow is off your windshield.  Snow is heavy and if your wipers turn on and try to wipe away all that heavy wet snow, you can kill your windshield wiper motor.  Now you won't be able to drive in the snow or rain until it is fixed.
  • Lube your locks and ignition - Moisture from the outside air gets in your car door locks and ignition and freezes.  This makes it hard to open the door if you don't have automatic locks or hard to start the car if the ignition is frozen.  Read more about this tip in Lube your Locks!

If you would like to learn more about car tips for the winter, please attend one of my monthly workshops (next one is Jan 19th) or schedule one for your group.  Follow your favorite auto mechanic in heels on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Related Links:
Ask the Expert: Girls Auto Clinic X Hot 107.9 Philly Morning Show
Warming Up My Car On These Cold Winter Mornings? Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That!
Defibrillate Your Battery
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