How to winterize your vehicle for Florida

You and your Dodge Ram pickup truck just pulled in for a few warm months in (relatively) sunny Highlands County.

So, how should you winterize the vehicle?

"Winter is not as big a deal here," said Stuart Best, owner of Classic Car Depot in Sebring. If the truck was winterized up North, there's no need to do anything.

As for Floridians who are contemplating a trip as far north as Georgia or even Jacksonville, they should consider winterizing before they leave, Best said.

"If they're true Floridians, they don't even know what that means," he said.

Checklist

First, check the battery. If it's a four-year battery and it's three years old, it may be wise to replace it now, said Mike Tucker, manager of Carquest Auto Parts Stores in south Sebring.

Some batteries barely survive the heat, Best said. When cold temperatures come, weak batteries fail to crank.

Second, check the owner's manual for the recommended grade of oil. If there is no manual, go to websites like Castrol.com or Pennzoil.com, which have guides for every vehicle.

"Most oils, like 5w30 and 10w30," said Best, are really for both summer and winter. The W stands for winter, not weight, he said.

Thirdly, Best said, check the antifreeze/coolant for a 50-50 mixture. Contrary to its name, antifreeze does five jobs: removes heat from the engine, prevents rust buildup in the radiator system, keeps radiator system water from freezing, increases the boiling point of the water, and keeps water from evaporating.

Fill the windshield wiper fluid, not with water, but with added methylated spirits - an additive that gives the product a lower freezing temperature.

Check the belts and hoses for cracks and signs of wear. Some vehicles with timing belts shut off the engine when the belt breaks.

Check the air pressure of tires. Underinflated tires affect handling, wear quickly, can overheat, blow out, and cause accidents.

All that can be done during a mechanic's inspection, Best said.

"We don't just change the oil," Best said. "We have a 15-point inspection."

He also looks to see which inspections the manufacturer recommends for the mileage an automobile has.

Floridians, Best said, don't winterize their cars, they summerize. "That's the severe seasonal change we go through."

Emergency kit

AAA recommends emergency kits for each vehicle. Floridians won't get much use out of kitty litter, but if they're going north, it can help with traction on a snowy or icy pavement.

Even in Highlands County, an ice scraper is essential for occasionally winter frost.

Tucker recommends flares for stranded vehicles, and reflective triangles are also useful.

Of course, a cell phone and a flashlight with extra batteries are essential, and booster cables can jump a battery back to life long enough to get back to town.

Common emergency kits also include screwdrivers and wrenches, a poncho, a shop towel, tape to repair hoses, a variety of fuses, and first aid supplies.