Keeping Your Engine Happy During Winter

 

Your engine is the beating heart of your car. Without it, you could find yourself stranded on a busy road, battling the elements. That is the type of situation you will find yourself facing if you don’t keep your engine happy over the winter period. But here are a few tips you can take on board to stop you from getting held back by the snow and ice.

Oil Change

Dirty oil is bad for your engine, especially in the winter, where it can thicken and make it difficult to circulate through car parts, and you risk incurring permanent damage to your engine. You can tell that oil is dirty if it is black upon inspection. Ideally, you should look at changing your oil before the winter arrives and the snow sets in. It might be more ideal to change to a different oil throughout the winter season. Your mechanic might be able to recommend an oil specific to your vehicle.

Coolant Check

The coolant in your engine will keep it from overheating, but it doesn’t take much for the coolant to be contaminated. Before the winter season approaches, check the mixture is just right. The big make or break from the coolant will be the level of antifreeze. If you have too much water in the cooling system, the liquid will freeze in winter, blocking the flow of coolant and leaving you with an overheated engine. You can avoid this by ensuring a 50% mixture of antifreeze.

Annual Tune-Up

A good practice to pick up would be an annual tune-up, scheduled just before the winter weather comes along. You can decide whether you want to do this by yourself or if you want a mechanic to carry it out for you. But key items that need checking include spark plugs, hoses and belts, the air intake and air filter, and the fluid levels. Find out what parts will be beneficial to your car at breakeryard.com/car-parts/ford/engines.

Give Your Engine Time to Warm Up

If you live in an area where cold temperatures are common, then you might want to consider giving your engine time to warm up before you set out in your car. Those added 30 seconds will make a lot of difference to the start of your journey, allowing for a smoother start.

Storing the Car

Car storage should be a top priority over the winter period. If you leave it in the same spot you always do, then you will need to fill the fuel tank to release oxidation. Also consider adding a fuel stabiliser, and consider disconnecting the wiring harness for the fuel pump. Finally, seal off any exhaust pipes or air intakes to prevent infestation.

On a final note, try to steer clear of repairs and breakdowns. If your car has a breakdown in the middle of a journey that can seriously hinder your day-to-day life. If there are any repairs to be made, schedule them between summer and autumn so you can have that peace of mind throughout the winter.