gobox has written a great article about how to keep your gas safe during the cold months of winter. There are several simple steps that you should take to ensure that your gas doesn’t go bad. You’ll want to start using fuel stabilizers right away, especially if you plan on storing your vehicle over the winter.
Fuel only lasts around 30 days, so it’s essential that you use fuel stabilizers if you’re planning on keeping your vehicle stored over the winter. These additives prevent the formation of harmful deposits inside your tank, making it easier to pump out at any time.
You can find fuel stabilizers at most auto parts stores. Just look for products that say “fuel stabilizer”.
Do an Oil Change
You should definitely change your vehicle’s oil before storing it away for the winter. Doing so ensures that your engine uses clean, unused lubricant during the cold months. You’ll find that your car runs smoother, starts easier and lasts longer if you keep it well maintained throughout the year.
To avoid any problems, make sure that you change your vehicle’s oil at least every 3,000 miles. Also, make sure that you replace the filter regularly. A dirty filter can cause serious damage to your engine.
Lubricate Important Chassis Points
Vehicles are complex machines that require regular maintenance. One of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance is lubricating the chassis points. These include the engine, transmission, differential, axles, steering system, suspension components, brakes, tires, etc. Lubrication helps prevent corrosion and wear and tear on moving parts, which makes vehicles last longer and perform better.
You should lubricate the chassis points every month or two depending on how frequently you drive your vehicle. You’ll find that doing so will extend the life of your vehicle and save you money in the long run.
Check your Coolant Protection Level
Vehicles come equipped with coolant protection systems to prevent overheating. However, if you don’t store your vehicle in a climate-controlled environment, you should periodically check your coolant protection level. You’ll want to check the level every month or two depending on where you live.
You can easily check your coolant protection levels using a coolant thermometer. These devices measure the temperature of the coolant inside your vehicle. Once you find the correct reading, you can determine whether you need to add additional coolant or not.
Prepare Your Battery
Battery tender kits are great if you plan on leaving your car plugged in for extended periods of time. However, there are times when you’ll need to leave your vehicle unplugged for days at a time. You may not realize it, but your battery needs to be prepared for cold weather. Here are three options for doing so.