Are Your Home and Car Winterproof?

With the chill of fall in the air, it’s a signal that snow and ice are not too far off. Now is the best time to start preparing both your car and home for winter.

Winter brings challenges when driving as well as car maintenance. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make the season easier for both the driver and the vehicle. Here are some tips to prevent damage and keep your car running smoothly all winter.

• Change the oil. Cold can thicken the oil and gum up the fuel lines. Depending on how cold it gets where you live, a heavier high-quality oil that is cold weather friendly may be needed. All fluids should be topped off or switched to a cold weather variety if needed.
• Check tire pressure. Cold weather can lower the tire pressure, which reduces traction on slick roads.
• Change the tires. If you live where there is heavy snowfall, you may want to consider snow tires. Snow tires grip the pavement more effectively. An alternative is snow chains.
• Replace windshield wiper blades on front and back windows.
• Have a belt assessment done and replace any that are worn. Colder temperatures can cause them to become hard so they won’t turn and can even snap.
• Monitor brakes. Snow, ice, and slush require brakes to be in top condition. If brake pads are thin, stopping distances will be longer.
• Keep the gas tank ¼ full if the car is going to sit overnight in subzero temperatures to prevent the fuel lines from freezing.
• Inspect the battery. The cold can weaken a battery. If it is three years or older, have the strength tested and if it comes back weak, replace the battery.
• If possible, choose to drive AWD or 4WD vehicles for better traction in the snow. Make sure you know how to activate the system if the car has manual controls.

Keep a winter kit in the car. It should include a snow shovel, scraper, extra coat, gloves, hat, blankets, tire chains (if needed), extra antifreeze and washer fluid, ice melt, jumper cables, a first aid kit, flares, a flashlight, and kitty litter for traction.

Winterizing the Home

There are also several things you can do to your home to save on heating costs, prolong the life of your heating system and prevent damage from winter storms.

• Clean and clear gutters. Gutters should be free of debris, so water doesn’t become trapped and freeze, creating an ice dam. Frozen gutters can also damage the roof. Check the entire roof. Look for broken, frayed, curled or missing shingles, clogged valleys, damaged flashing, and general deterioration. Clear away leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other waste materials.
• Examine and protect pipes. Any inside pipe that is on an outside wall should be insulated. If it is under a cabinet, leave a door open to allow warm air to circulate. Know where the main water shut off valve is, check to see if a pressure release valve is connected since this can prevent pipes from bursting. You can also keep faucets running to help prevent freezing.
• Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise to push the warm air near the ceiling down into the room.
• Check the heating system. Replace filters and other general maintenance to make sure it is running efficiently. Clean all vents.
• Clean the fireplace and check the flue. Animal nests may be present along with a buildup of creosote, the brown or black tarlike substance that clings to chimney walls as a result of burning wood, and other debris. Electric and gas fireplaces also need regular maintenance.
• Test the generator. You don’t want to discover that the generator no longer works after the power goes out.
• Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are free of dust and debris. This is also a good time to replace the batteries.
• Check for leaks in the attic and other ceilings.
• Replace screens with storm windows. Swap out lightweight curtains with thermal lined ones or drapes.
• Block out the cold (and rodents) by caulking around windows and doors as well as any cracks in the foundation. You can also use weather stripping, foam tape, and door snakes.
• Winterize your air conditioner. Clean and cover the unit to protect it from leaves, dirt, and ice.
• Keep slush outside the house with a doormat that has a rough texture to remove mud and gunk. Place a plastic boot tray and rubber mat near the door to prevent water and salt from damaging the floors.