We are in the process of putting winter tires on our family cars. I am not a fan of winter so to me this is the harbinger of what is to come. I’m probably a 5th generation Michigander so you would think that my DNA would include a snow and cold loving gene. People suggest that finding a winter sport is the key to loving Michigan winters. The problem with that is that I’d have to be outside.
Making sure that my car has heat, good tires and the coolant is working correctly helps me get through the winter. Coolant/antifreeze is more interesting than one would imagine. Seriously, I always thought it just kept the engine cool but it does more than that. Worn out coolant is more electrically conductive than fresh coolant. Electrolysis (and not the hair removing kind) in the coolant causes it to become corrosive and can damage the engine and components. So it’s important that your coolant/antifreeze be tested to make sure that it is still doing all the things it is required to do.
Driving along in your car and smiling happily as your heat is turned up high on one of the first really cold days is something to celebrate. Having your defroster working is a safety issue and, if it isn’t working, you’ll constantly have to get out to scrape your windows. Or, as a customer once told me, “get out to pour warm water on your windows to clean them off.” Don’t do this. Get your fluids checked soon so you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings us this year.