Get Ready for Winter Driving Conditions

It won’t be long now before the cold winds of winter begin to howl in many parts of the country.

Words By: Mark Yanochko

It won’t be long now before the cold winds of winter begin to howl in many parts of the country. And even if you don’t live in an area of the country where snow and cold are commonplace from Christmas to Easter, the winter months present their own unique vehicle maintenance requirements. It’s important that your Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge vehicle is ready for inclement weather, reduced daylight and snow and ice.

The first thing to check, and probably the most important, is the battery. As the temperature drops, the amount of current necessary to start your vehicle increases dramatically. For example, when the outside temperature is 32° F, your car will need about 3 times the amount of current to start than it does when the temperature is 80° F.

The battery found under the hood of today’s car is much different than one used 10 or 15 years ago. First of all, it is permanently sealed. Water or electrolyte cannot be added. Secondly, the test indicator is no longer used. Finally, it is very difficult for the DIYer to test a battery. The easiest solution is to go to your service shop or dealership for a battery test. Many shops will check your battery for free.

There are a couple of things, though, that you can do. The most important is cleaning the battery terminals, A (see Figure 1). The post and the terminal connector should be free of all signs of corrosion and dirt. Also, be sure the case and thermowrap are clean. Mopar now offers battery terminal protector pads (68048547AA) to help protect against future corrosion and loss of battery power.

Probably the second most important item to check is the coolant. Coolant is known as anti-freeze for a reason, but it can only do its job if the mixture of coolant-to-distilled water is correct. This is easily checked by using a hydrometer, B, which measures the specific gravity of the coolant. Such an instrument is shown in Figure 2. The tube is inserted into the filler neck of the coolant reservoir, C, and coolant is drawn up into the instrument. The number of discs which float indicates the level of freeze protection.

While you have the hood open, take a look at the belts, D, and hoses, E (see Figure 3). Look for any signs of cracks, splits or any other damage. Pay close attention to the hose clamps, F, and the section of the hose that is clamped. Look closely for any signs of leaks. Replace any suspect hoses. Remember, the coolant that prevents the engine block from freezing also supplies the heat, through these hoses, to warm the passenger compartment.

Now take a look under your car and be sure that the protective boots on the tie rod ends and ball joints are intact. Closely inspect the boots for the rack and pinion gear and CV joints, G (see Figure 4). Be sure to check the valleys on these boots for any signs of deterioration. Moisture and road salt can wear out a CV joint or tie rod end in no time.

Before you take on old man winter, you need to check the tires. Bald and/or abnormally worn tires are not going to provide the traction you need in the snow. If the tread is looking a little thin, check the tread depth. Some people use a Lincoln penny, but the most accurate method is to use a tread depth gauge, H, as shown in Figure 5. If you’re down to 3/32" of tread, it’s time for new tires. Also, be sure the tires are properly inflated.

Once you get out on the road, safety is a priority. In order for you to be safe, you have to be able to see. And you can’t see if you have old wiper blades, J, on your ride (see Figure 6). If the wiper blades streak across the windshield, buy a new pair (don’t forget the rear blade on vehicles so equipped).

While we’re on the subject of sight, windshield wiper solution is also a must. Be sure your reservoir is topped off, K, and that you are using freeze-protection cleaner. Water doesn’t cut it when the temperature falls below freezing.

Finally, not only is it important to see, it is also important to be seen. Be sure your headlamps and taillights, L, are working properly. Replace any burned out bulbs to ensure that the other drivers on the road during bad weather will having no trouble seeing you.