Winter in the Denver area is no joke. The plunging temperatures, snowstorms, and icy roads can make driving conditions treacherous. Getting your car ready for Old Man Winter is key to staying safe on the roads. And prepping your vehicle early beats scrambling once snowflakes start falling.
So grab a warm cup of cocoa and cozy up. We’ll walk through essential steps to winterize your vehicle so you can breeze through the Denver winter worry-free.
Inspect and Service Critical Vehicle Systems
When prepping for frigid temps, start under the hood. Critical systems like your battery, brakes and tires see extra strain in cold weather. So make sure they’re in tip-top shape before Colorado unleashes its frost and flurries.
Check Battery and Charging System
Cold saps car batteries, making it harder for them to crank your engine. Have your battery tested to ensure it has sufficient amps to survive winter. While you’re at it, examine cables and connections to catch any corrosion or damage.
Inspect Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Ever been bombarded by a slushie from an oncoming car? Proper wiper blades keep your windshield clear to spot hazards ahead. Inspect blades for tears and replace any that seem worn.
Also, top off washer fluid with winter blend cleaner. It contains antifreeze so the reservoir or lines don’t freeze overnight and leave you spraying air in the morning.
Check Antifreeze Levels and Condition
Antifreeze keeps your engine from freezing in cold snaps and helps regulate operating temperature. Check levels and color – light brown means good protection while rusty coloring could indicate oxidation issues. Have your trusted mechanic test and potentially flush the system if anything seems amiss.
Inspect the Brakes
Brakes always take a beating. But wet conditions make it worse with increased stopping distance and chances of skidding on slick roads. Have a pro check pad thickness, rotors, and fluid levels. Fixing minor issues now prevents getting stranded mid-blizzard by failing brakes.
Check Tire Tread Depth and Inflation
Worn, underinflated tires spell trouble in winter weather – think longer stopping distance and miserable handling. Examine tires for adequate tread depth, uneven wear, and embedded objects like rocks.
While at it, check pressure against door placard specs. If you will be driving on snow or ice, decrease the air pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommended psi for snow and ice traction. Lowering pressure by a few psi increases the tire’s contact patch, allowing the treads to sink into snow and grip ice better. But remember to reinflate your tires to normal psi after the snow and ice clears or when driving on clean roads.
Use Winter Weight Motor Oil
As temperatures drop, standard oil thickens, losing its ability to properly lubricate the engine. Switching to lighter “winter weight” oils makes it easier for your car’s engine to turn over on frigid mornings. Be sure to swap back to regular oil after winter passes as the lighter formula isn’t designed to protect engines from summer heat.
Check Engine Air Filter
Clogged air filters sap engine power making starting harder in cold weather. Pull your air filter to examine its condition. No need to replace clean ones. But swap dingy, dust-trapping filters for new to help cold starts go smooth all winter long.
Winterize Your Vehicle’s Exterior, Lights, and Glass
Now let’s talk winterizing your car’s exterior features. Things like paint, lights and glass see their fair share of abuse from ice, snow, and salt once the flakes start flying. Some TLC now saves headaches as arctic air invades.
Wash Car Thoroughly
Start winterizing by giving your car a thorough soap-and-water bath – even if it’s bone chilling outside! Dried salt, dirt and grime damages paint once it mixes with snow slush. So clean off the summer residue before winter weather works its wicked ways.
Wax Paint and Apply Protective Coatings
Next, wax painted surfaces and apply protective coatings like paint sealant. These create a barrier minimizing contact between paint and snow/ice. That prevents road salt, magnesium chloride and other chemicals used on frozen roads from corroding body panels, trim and undercarriage components.
Check All Exterior Lights
Safely navigating wintery low-light conditions relies on exterior lights functioning properly. Walk the perimeter of your car checking head, tail and fog lamps for burnt out bulbs. Replace any that are out so you’re not caught in whiteout conditions with impaired visibility.
Inspect Your Windshield for Cracks
Windshield cracks grow quicker in cold weather and compromised glass gives way easier when pelted by debris in storms.
Inspect windshields for tiny star chips or visible cracks then repair before cold weather makes existing damage worse. If cracks are long, the entire windshield likely needs swapping. Leaving broken glass in place risks needing emergency replacement while plowing down a snow-packed highway. No one wants that panicked sinking feeling!
Check Windshield Wiper Blades Condition
Earlier we reminded you about filling wiper fluid. Now let’s make sure blades are prepped for frigid operation. Switch any that appear cracked, rigid, worn or otherwise compromised so they distribute washer fluid properly without streaking or skipping. You’ll miss quality blades once you start trying to clean off snow and ice, so replace questionable ones now.
Pack a Winter Safety Kit
Even with thorough preparation, winter driving delivers unexpected surprises leaving drivers stranded. So arm yourself against breakdowns, accidents and storms by packing an emergency kit stored safely in the trunk.
Having vital supplies on hand allows holding out until help comes…whether it’s a passing snowplow or tow truck en route. Consider tucking away these must-have items:
– Ice Scraper – Essential for removing icy buildup from windows
– De-icer Spray – Helps melt ice on locks and windows
– Flashlight – Illuminates dark areas when disabled at night
– Jumper Cables – Jumpstarts dead car batteries
– Tow Strap – Allows pulling or being pulled out if stuck
– Shovel – Digs vehicle out of snow bank
– Sand or Cat Litter – Aids traction when tires spin
– Warm Gloves, Hat, Boots – Prevents frostbite during long waits
– Blanket – Provides warmth if heat stops working
– Snacks & Water – Wards off hunger & dehydration in emergencies
– Flares & White Flag – Alerts other drivers if parked roadside
With provisions onboard, you’re set to wait safely should trouble strike during a winter wonderland drive.
Drive Safely in Winter Conditions
Of course, the best way to prevent getting into dicey winter scenarios is driving smart from the get-go. Snow-covered highways call for exercising additional caution behind the wheel.
Here are key winter driving safety tips to remember:
- Allow Extra Stopping Distance – Increase the gap behind the car ahead to account for slick surfaces.
- Avoid Sudden Stops/Starts – Gradual acceleration and braking minimizes skids on snowy, icy roads.
- Turn Slowly & Carefully – Reduce speed when turning to maintain control in low traction conditions.
- Watch for Black Ice – Ice nearly invisible on dark pavement heightens risk of spin outs. So drive alert scanning the road ahead.
- Maintain Safe Following Distance – Leave ample room to see around vehicles in front when visibility degrades.
- Stay Alert for Changing Conditions – What appears wet and clear can freeze quickly as temps drop.
- Decrease Tire Pressure Slightly – Lowering pressure to manufacturer’s recommended psi for snow/ice traction provides better grip.
Following these winter driving safety rules increases the chances you’ll prevail over hazardous roads resulting from Colorado’s winter wrath.
Get Help From the Experts at Precision Auto Glass
Even after thorough DIY preparations, vehicles still suffer winter damage like battered windshields allowing glass cracks to form and spread. Left untreated, a compromised windshield gives out when bombarded by hard-flying frozen precipitation.
Thankfully, Precision Auto Glass offers mobile windshield repair and replacement whenever winter strikes cracks into auto glass. Our experienced technicians skillfully assess damage and can come directly to your home or office for convenient service without going to a shop.
We utilize top glass products ensuring quality installations that stand strong against subsequent winter abuse. Getting issues addressed now by calling Precision prevents bigger headaches later!
Let our auto glass experts help you survive another harsh Denver winter while keeping visibility clear and safety always intact. We fix cracks allowing you to get on with enjoying snow days ahead from ski trips to snuggling by the fire with hot cocoa.
Preparation Sets the Stage for Surviving Winter
While no one can control winter’s wrath, prepping vehicles helps lessen its sting. We covered key areas getting your car winter-ready inside, outside and preventatively. Revisiting the checklist ensures you complete tasks allowing unhindered operation all season.
Don’t become a victim of unexpectedly harsh winter hazards. Instead, ready your car proactively so it’s primed to power through old man winter’s worst.
Stay safe this coming snow season and remember – the auto glass pros at Precision have your back! Let us know if cracks or breaks make seeing the road ahead difficult so we can restore crystal clear visibility quickly.