Undercoat your vehicle
Check your wiper blades and washer spray
Check your coolant
Having your vehicle undercoated helps to protect from premature rusting and corroding. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Coolant should be a 50:50 ratio of antifreeze to water. This mixture resists freezing at temperatures well below zero.
When your wiper blades are leaving streaks or smudges, it’s time for replacement. It is recommended for wiper blades to be replaced at least once per year, and your washer fluid should also be changed to a winter blend.
Check your battery
Cold temperatures reduce cranking power in your battery. Have your battery tested. If it's older than five years, and/or showing signs of weakness, replace the battery.
Just in case!
Check your tires and their pressure
Check your fuel level
Winter tires are always a great idea. Check all your tires for tread life, and consider replacing them if the tread is low, as safety depends on tire traction. Tire pressure also declines with temperature, so keep all tires properly inflated.
Check your heater
During the winter months, it’s best to keep your fuel tank level at no less than half a tank. This helps to prevent excess condensation to reduce the risk of freezing.
Make sure your heater is working properly, as well as your defrost function, which helps to clear the windows.
Check/change your oil
Wash your vehicle
Cold weather can be hard on an engine. Motor oil thickens when cold, making a harder turnover for the engine. Remember to have your oil changed before the winter months.
Dirt, grime, salt. All of this helps to deteriorate, rust, and corrode your vehicle’s components.
Steel Heels is a women-owned and-operated
automotive service and repair shop in Charlottetown. Ask them about their workshops called “Women Auto Know” to help people learn the basics of how a car works and what they can fix themselves.
Plan a safe route, and let someone know what it is in the event something should happen.
Don’t use cruise control during the winter months. Black ice or slippery spots can appear with little warning.
Allow for extra distance between you and other vehicles. It takes longer to stop on wet or slippery roads.
Slow down - it’s better to arrive late than not at all.
Steel Heels Automotive Service & Repair 19 Camburhill Court, Charlottetown 902.367.2690 www.facebook.com/steelheelsauto
Although most new vehicles have the “auto” feature, you may need to ensure the setting is engaged.
FALL 2019 www.pei-living.ca FALL 2019 www.pei-living.ca
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