Winter Driving Tips

Courtesy of Car Talk

With winter officially here (for us 4 seasoners) you may notice a few things that change in Ol' Betsy's performance in the cold weather. Sometimes your car turns over slower and takes longer to heat up to optimal running temperature. I've looked up some winter driving tips for all you Car Crazy-ites who wish to endeaver out in the snow with your (many) horse sleigh. The first article I'd like to call attention to is from another awesome blog called " DIY Garage" published by our friends at Advance Auto Parts. ( No compensation, just a real life fan) They wrote an article about "Why car batteries Die in Winter?" With my truck battery showing signs of wear I'm especially interested in learning what they have to say. Without giving it all away, it's explained that the cold temperatures of winter cause a higher demand of "CCA" or cold cranking amps, the measurement of how strong your battery is when it's most demanded from. Each auto battery has a CCA rating to help guide you in purchasing the right one. See your owner's manuel to learn the exact specs for your car. When your cars oil is cold and sludgy it literally takes more power from your car's battery to turn over the engine and get it powered up. (That's it in a nut shell. Mechanics out there fill in the details) Or just read it for yourself here.
One of my favorite call in shows is Car Talk. There are no other brothers that I'd like not to drive like. On their website they have great tips for winter driving. Being from New England they kinda know what they're talking about. For example, if you notice you need to top off your engine coolant do you use a 50/50 mixture or 100% coolant? Use the wrong mixture and it could ruin your engine! Doh! I hate it when that happens.  (use 50/50 by the way). Read the complete article from Car Talk's winter driving tips at this site. Until we meet again, drive safely and please don't drive like my brother (either of them). Happy Holidays Friends!