Boyd's Blog

• Battery: Extreme heat and extreme cold can both stress your car’s battery. At 5 degrees Fahrenheit, a fully-charged battery can only deliver half its rated cranking power; cold temperatures slow down the chemical reaction in the battery that actually provides power. In addition, motor oil thickens and becomes more viscous at cold temperatures, making it harder to turn the engine over. Remember that your battery is only as good as its connections; check the battery posts and cable clamps for fluffy greenish-white deposits of corrosion that can interfere with charging and starting. Better still, schedule an appointment with Boyd’s Tire & Service Center in Columbus, OH for a complete battery and charging system checkup. 

• Wipers: Even the best wipers are only good for about a year, as the elements and the sun’s UV rays take their toll on them. Replace your wipers at the first sign of peeling, chipping or cracking, and be sure to keep a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid. If you drive a minivan, SUV or hatchback with a rear wiper, remember to check that one too.

• Tires: Since tires are what we do at Boyd’s Tire & Service Center, we want to emphasize their importance in winterizing your car. A set of all-season tires are a good compromise for year-round traction, but you might also want to consider winter tires with a more aggressive, deeper tread pattern and a rubber compound that stays flexible in low temperatures for traction. Today’s winter tires aren’t the heavy, clunky, noisy “snow tires” or “mud grips” that your dad might have had on his Ford wagon; they handle well, are quiet and have good road manners. Most importantly, though, they can give you a definite traction advantage in wintry conditions. Remember: winter tires should not be used when the temperatures get above 40 degrees. Their softer tread formulation will wear quickly in warmer temperatures.

• Tire Pressure: Hot weather will cause your tire pressure to rise, since air expands with heat…and cold weather causes it to drop. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, your tires lose about 1 psi. Check your tire pressure when cold and fill to the proper inflation; you can find that information in your owner’s manual, or on a sticker found under the hood, inside the gas filler door or on the driver’s door frame.

• Tire Tread: Regardless of whether you decide on winter tires or all-season, make sure they have plenty of tread. States require a minimum tread depth of 2/32”, so here’s an easy way to determine your tread depth. Stick a penny in the tread, Lincoln’s head down. If the tread covers the top of Abe’s head, you are above the 2/32” mark in tread depth. Now, try the same thing with a quarter. If the tread covers the top of Washington’s head, your tread is at 4/32”. Finally, try the penny test again. Does the tread reach the Lincoln Memorial? Then your tread depth is at 6/32”. Also remember to have your tires rotated before winter to ensure even wear. 

• Fuel: Keeping your fuel level above a half-tank prevents condensation from building in the tank and possibly causing a fuel line freeze-up. Also, adding a bottle of fuel line antifreeze like Heet with each tank of gas isn’t a bad idea. 

• Coolant: Have you had a look at your coolant lately? It should be a nice bright green color; if it’s brownish, rusty or has particles in it, it’s a good idea to have it flushed before the cold weather really sets in. 

Now, for a few useful cold-weather hacks:

• Pack a trouble bag with a hat, gloves, flashlight, jumper cables or jump box, cash in small bills, ice scraper, duct tape, super glue, high-protein snacks and a blanket

• A couple of coats of Rain-X on your windows and windshield can make a huge difference in winter-weather visibility. 

• Spray cooking oil on the weatherstripping along your door edges to prevent doors freezing shut in an ice or snow storm.