We all live in Alaska, so it’s no surprise to anyone that winters here can be pretty harsh. Ideally, we could all have 4x4s to get around. For that matter, ideally, we could all stay home and never have to go anywhere. But that’s not the case, of course. At Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck in Anchorage, AK, we’d like to share some winter driving tips with everyone.
Cold temperatures are hard on a vehicle’s systems for many different reasons, and batteries are especially vulnerable to the cold. A battery that performed fine over the summer may not have what it takes when it’s 0 degrees F outside; the chemical reaction that stores power is slowed dramatically in cold weather. If you have to replace the battery before winter, get the most robust battery. The threshold you need to bear in mind is 600 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) – the CCA number is the peak number of amps that a battery can deliver at 0 degrees, and 600 is a minimum for an Alaska winter.
Of course, you should change motor oil at regular intervals, but also bear in mind that oil starts to congeal and thicken in extreme cold (making the battery’s job more complicated as well). Bear in mind that synthetic motor oils are more stable across a wide range of temperatures; they don’t thin out in the summer or thicken in the winter as much. If you’ve not been using synthetics before, this might be a good time to switch.
Got plenty of tread? Have you had your tires rotated lately? How about tire pressure? Remember that gases contract in cold weather and tire pressure will drop about one pound for every ten-degree drop in temperature. If you’ve been considering winter tires, this is an excellent time to go with them. Just remember that your car needs a set of four snow tires, and mixing and matching winter tires with other types can result in squirrelly handling properties.
In snowy weather, you can quickly go through a half-gallon of windshield washer fluid, so make sure the tank is always topped off. Has your coolant been changed recently? The rust inhibitors and other additives in antifreeze break down over time. It’s easy to check the coolant with a hygrometer to determine its freeze rating, and remember that if the coolant freezes, it can easily crack a cylinder head or an engine block.
Even the best windshield wipers only last about a year before the elements take their toll. If yours are starting to streak or smudge, replace them before the snow flies.
That engine is your car’s only source of heat! Also, remember that a gas tank close to empty is more likely to accumulate moisture and condensation, which can turn to ice crystals in extreme cold.
It can just be a gym bag with things like high-protein snacks, a power bank for your cell phone, a first-aid kit, flares, a Leatherman-style multi-tool, blanket, sweater, cap and gloves, flashlight, and duct tape. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, right?
And finally, a word on the actual driving: Take everything slow. If that means leaving early for your destination, so be it. Driving on snow and ice is treacherous, and your vehicle won’t respond the way it does on dry pavement or in rainy weather. Braking, acceleration, and turning should all be done slowly and gently. If you’re not familiar with driving on snow and ice, you might want to get some practice time in on a deserted, snow-covered parking lot (preferably one that doesn’t have light poles you could smack into).
At Alignment Center and Alaska Car & Truck in Anchorage, AK, we want you to be safe this winter. If your car may not be quite up to the rigors of winter driving, visit our auto repair store near you and let our technicians give it a going-over. We have a full list of auto repair services to get you ready for winter and our great selection of quality, affordable tires!
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