JAGUAR LONDON
For some, winter is actually the best time of the year. They are able to indulge in winter sports, have a full holiday season, and do not have to be concerned about the weather getting too hot. And then there are some who are not so fond of this season, mainly because of the cold temperatures and large amounts of snow that make their usual activities more difficult or even impossible. Among such activities that become way harder is driving, which is mostly due to snow and ice that create challenging situations. Ontario's harsh winter driving conditions can be very difficult to deal with, even for the most skilled and confident drivers. While safe driving and taking a cautious approach are always advisable, you can reduce risks if you know how to winterize your car.
Winter driving in slippery and cold conditions is not only a hassle, but it can also be life-threatening. You are living with the constant fear of making a wrong move that can lead to a serious. The smartest way to avoid stress, getting hurt, and getting into unwanted situations while driving in the winter is to have your car winterized. It can be a little extra effort, but it's a great way to ensure your family's as well as your vehicle's safety throughout the season. It is true that the process of winterizing a car might be overwhelming; however, most of these steps are within the capability of the owner.
You could be tempted to wait until it gets too cold to do the necessary preparations for winterizing the car. But we recommend you don't wait for too long because seasons don't wait for you and it could snow unexpectedly. That is why it is advised that you start winterizing your car while it is still fall, and mid-October is a good time, as cited by experts. Yet, in case you have decided to postpone it this year, you can never say it's too late to get your car ready for the cold season. Get started right now. Go through the following car winterization steps and learn how to keep your vehicle running even when the temperature is below zero.
You don't have to be an expert in fixing cars to winterize your vehicle. Here are some simple ways by which one can prepare his/her car for the winter season.
Oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps the engine lubricated. That is why you must regularly change the oil irrespective of the weather. It is one of the most important processes because the oil in the car can thicken due to low temperatures, making it difficult to circulate freely. This is especially a risk if the oil is old and dirty. For winter months, consider synthetic oil, as it is not prone to thickening and, consequently, can prolong the overall use of your engine.
If you have been driving in Ontario for the last three years, you will know that all-season tires may not really be suitable for winter in Ontario. It is for this reason that the change from regular to snow tires is essential when you want to winterize your car. Proper winter tires have longer treads that make it possible for the tires to stick to the surface of the road even in extremely slippery conditions, such as when the ground is covered with ice or snow. Therefore, road accidents are less likely to occur, making it easy to drive on icy roads. At the same time, make sure that your spare tire is in good condition and available to use in case of an emergency.
Additionally, don't forget to check the air pressure in your tires as well. If your tire retains low pressure, your drive on the road may be less effective. You must always verify your tire's air pressure and make necessary adjustments if it is not at the correct level. Also, it is highly advisable that you keep your spare tire in good condition so that it will be of use to you during the winter season.
One of the biggest advantages of changing over to winter tires is financial. Talk to our experts if an insurance is available and if you could qualify for a winter tire discount. Besides, there are several winter tire deals available during the cold months. Simply check with our professionals to learn more.
Pro Tip: Just make sure to exchange the tires when winter is over so that you won't be using winter tires during the summer.
Next on the list to winterize a car is the replacement of the standard windshield wiper with winter wiper blades. Regular windshield blades are not powerful enough and can easily clog or break due to the accumulation of ice and snow. Wipers made for winter use are far more durable and are made to remove snow, ice, hail, and rain, even in bad weather. Also, it is a smart move to have a spare set of winter wipers in your car in case one gets broken or detached while you're driving.
Refills are the fastest way to winterize your cars. Ensure you top up your windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze. After this, make sure that you put the rest of the bottles in your trunk for a later time, as they will need another top-up during winter. When choosing the right windshield washer fluid, pick a winter-specific product that can be used even at -40 degrees Celsius.
Performing a thorough battery check is part of winterizing your car. Check for rust at the places where the battery is connected, and also ensure that the water level is sufficient. Remember, car batteries are only good for about four years, so if you haven't changed it in the last four years, then now is the right time. You may also want to get a new one that will be in pristine condition throughout the winter. In case you are uncertain about changing your car battery, speak to our showroom experts.
No matter how carefully you prepare your car for winter, a breakdown, accident, or any other incident can leave you stuck. Such a situation can be really frightening in a rural area where help is not close by. The most significant thing you should do is to make sure that you have enough emergency supplies and equipment. This is so you can do at least two things -- get your car moving again and amass all the survival tools to keep you warm until help arrives. Apart from that, there are many other things you can bring in your car that can be considered part of your winter emergency car kit. The most important items for your emergency kit are a small shovel, jumper cables, some extra clothing, hats, gloves, and anything else that you can think of.
An activity that is easily overlooked, you must also replace the cabin air filter as part of the routine. One of the quickest ways to do this is to maintain your heater in good shape for the entirety of the winter season. Don't be in a situation where your car heater is not working, and the temperature outside is below zero. Most Jaguar models are equipped with an air filter. Check your owner's manual, or better still, speak to our experts to get one fitted today.
The edges of your car's doors and windows are sealed with rubber to keep moisture and drafts out. But sometimes bits of moisture find their way into the cracks and then eventually freeze the door shut, either leaving you out in the cold or stuck in your car. To avoid such situations, you must winterize your car with a silicone-based spray lubricant -- this only takes a few minutes. Don't spray it on your car directly. Instead, spray the silicone lubricant on a clean piece of cloth and take your time rubbing along the rubber lining of your doors and windows. This will make the sealing more durable.
Apart from that, your car's winterizing involves changing your floor mats to ones that are specifically made for the cold. During the cold season, you will be bringing snow into your vehicle; however, it is not only snow--a lot of dirt and road salt are also mixed in. These can lead to white, crusty deposits on the regular carpets and mats. Winter mats are made from rubber and have very deep grooves that can both catch and hold the snowmelt. That is how all that water, salt, and dirt are being kept away not only from the mats but also from the carpet underneath. Besides, winter mats can be easily washed anytime they become too dirty.
Bring your car in for a winter tire change to Jaguar London, and our experts will be happy to help you with the same. You can also find a Jaguar dealership near you that can perform all the tasks you need.
This part of winterizing your car is mostly laughed off as a myth, but the advice is really good, especially if you run on diesel.
Though your gas won't freeze, your gas tank can still get condensed after cooling down. This is way more common in winter, and this is also why your windows get covered with frost when it is cold. If this occurs in your gas tank, the water combines with the gasoline and, over time, could rust your gas tank or engine, or even freeze in the fuel lines, causing a clog.
Another essential step in winterizing your car is to confirm that your defrosters are fully functional. Many drivers, who rely on their defrosters, may think that these units do not require any maintenance. However, it is important to remember that these devices can be damaged -- that is why it is essential to check if your defroster is working before winter sets in.
Ensure you speak to our winter tire specialists just as the weather seems to get colder. Prepare your car for the season and make all the checks to make sure you are fully prepared for the weather. You can stop by our showroom to inquire about how to prepare your car for winter in Ontario.
