Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving - Lube, Visibility and Paint

by DoItYourself Staff

Lubrication, Fluids and Filters

Standard practice in the fall is to give the car its seasonal service, including oil change, lubrication (where applicable) and replacement of filters: oil, air and fuel. if your car requires a lighter grade of oil in winter, now's the time to change.

Change transmission fluid and filter. Most transmission specialists recommend changing more frequently than is called for In the owner's manual. The rule of thumb: every 2 years or 25,000 miles. Severe service driving requires more frequent changes.

Seeing and Being Seen

The National Safety Council says motor vehicle death rates are sharply higher at night, which is reason enough to check all lights, windshield wipers and washers.

Consider winter blades (with flexible rubber boots) to prevent icing-up of wipers.

Weak or inoperative defrosters can be treacherous and should be put in good working order before cold weather.