by Maggie Stansell, Campus Carrier Staff Writer
With winter fast approaching, it is necessary to take steps to prepare your vehicle, even here in the South.
According to this season’s Farmer’s Almanac, the upcoming weeks do not show deep freezes. Even projections further into the winter explain that it is anticipated to be mild until January, when the temperatures are expected to drop lower than normal. While the upcoming months may be mild, it is still important to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the winter months, especially if you are traveling to the northern areas of the United States where snow is already falling.
Starr Boylan, senior admissions counselor at Berry and resident auto expert, advises using “a thinner viscosity of oil because oil thickens in cold temperature.” This will make sure the oil continues to lubricate the engine well so that it can function properly.
Some students let their cars idle after a long cold night in order to warm up the vehicle before driving. Boylan says this is not necessary in newer vehicles; however older vehicles could potentially benefit from letting the car warm up, especially diesel vehicles. She also encourages a change in windshield wipers since higher precipitation is common in the winter. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, higher precipitation is anticipated for the upcoming winter months and a change in windshield wipers would help make sure you are safe on the roads. Rain-X, a common windshield wiper brand, recommends that blades should be changed every six months, especially if the blades are beginning to smear.
Boylan also cautions on driving over bridges when the temperatures freeze, since bridges are more likely to freeze first. Tire wear is also a concern when the winter months are approaching. If your treads are beginning to bald, it is essential to change your tires to make sure they are safe on wet or icy roads. In addition, make sure your tires have the proper air pressure. Colder temperatures cause the air pressure in your tires to drop. A sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door or the owner’s manual can explain the proper airing for your car.
According to Boylan, it is important to make sure your car battery is working properly. Inspect the battery to make sure there is no corrosion, which would look like a white, green or orange-tinged substance. A solution of baking soda and water can be applied with a toothbrush in order to get rid of the corrosion, which could damage the battery to connection.
In January of 2014 when the famous “Snowpocalypse” hit Atlanta, people were stranded within the city in their cars. School was canceled, but leaving the building became treacherous due to dangerous driving conditions. Therefore, Boylan recommends keeping a pack in your car in order to make sure that, if you are stranded, you will have water, a flashlight, snacks, a blanket and other emergency supplies.
Most importantly, properly maintaining a vehicle year-round will make sure that your car is ready to run in the winter months and will save you money in the long run. Since Berry College is in the South, the mild winter should not cause too many issues for Berry students. However, a little extra precaution will ensure that you have a safe winter.