4 Tips on How to Prep Your Nissan for Winter Driving

Oct 27, 2016

winterdriving The winter months are hard on cars. Between the salt on the roads that can cause corrosion and other damage, and the impact that dropping temperatures has on your tire pressure, you may notice your car isn’t running as efficiently as it does during the other seasons. With a few easy steps, you can prepare your car and keep it going through the spring.

1. Check the Tires Often

When the temperature drops by 10 degrees, the pressure in your tires can drop by as much as two pounds per square inch. So when it goes from 90 degrees in the summer to 32 degrees or lower during the winter, you could face a substantial change in tire pressure. The dangers that come along with low tire pressure include damage to the wheels, increased risk of blowout, and uneven wear, which will require you to replace them more often.

About once a week, pull out your tire pressure gauge and check of all four tires. Even if your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, it’s still worthwhile to know the exact pressure levels of your tires and ensure they’re filled to the optimal pressure level.

2. Keep the Fluid Levels High

Having plenty of windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, and other fluids is important throughout the year, but it becomes even more crucial during winter. Before you refill the reservoirs, make sure to read that section of your owner’s manual to determine what oil viscosity the engine needs at specific temperatures. You can also mix distilled water with antifreeze to prevent the liquid from freezing. Antifreeze also allows your engine to start and warm up when it’s cold outside.

Salt and grime also build up on the windshield of your Nissan during the winter, so keep your washer fluid tank full with a solution that’s rated for use in freezing temperatures. Having cleaning fluid available at all times will help you maintain good visibility in changing weather conditions.

3. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Trunk

While the thought of getting stranded somewhere is unpleasant to consider, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your trunk for such an event. Keep it stocked with bottled water, nonperishable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, and nuts, a candle and matches, jumper cables, a flashlight, a change of clothes, and a blanket.

4. Test the Battery

Cold weather also impacts the battery beneath your Nissan’s hood, so test it frequently throughout the winter. It’s easy to have it tested at an auto repair shop. You should also keep track of the age of your battery, since they typically only last for 3-5 years.

It’s also smart to take your Nissan into the dealership for a winter driving inspection. You can find out how the components within your vehicle are looking and whether they will be able to withstand another harsh winter. These simple tasks could keep you safer on the road, so it’s worth taking the time.