Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Get your car ready before the temperature drops.

Whether you live in the nation’s ice capital or prefer to drive up to the mountains to visit the snow, winter weather can beat up your car. Here are ways to limit the damage, from Barb Moran, CEO of Moran Industries, a leading automotive repair/aftermarket franchiser.

Check essential parts. “Make sure your spark plugs aren’t corroding,” Moran says. “And check the battery effectiveness. The first sign of trouble is when your car doesn’t start right away.”

Prevent damage. “Waxing your car before winter can protect your paint,” Moran says. She also suggests cleaning your car and its undercarriage frequently to limit damage from snow, ice, sand and salt.

Warm it up. While automotive fluids don’t thicken as much as they used to in cold weather, it’s still smart to let your vehicle run for a few minutes before you drive, especially if temperatures drop into the teens or lower. Moran explains, “Giving your vehicle a chance to warm up allows it to run at optimal performance and even increases gas efficiency.”