Ice, ice, baby, baby, ice, ice…
It’s been so cold around here lately that my car has begun to act differently. It almost feels like it’s telling me it wants to find a warm place to rest until the weather warms up. Wait, that was me complaining. The car has begun to creak when I turn the steering wheel, but it wasn’t the worst part. I find it difficult to steer after traveling along the freeway for an hour or so. Have you ever had that happen to you?
When the snow and slush build up behind the wheels, it freezes in a shape that fits around the tires. When you have to steer, sharply, it can prohibit your steering input. This will usually happen over time, but this problem can be solved quite easily.
A simple solution to this freezing slush problem is to walk around your vehicle before entering it. I teach a circle check to each of my students and it has come in handy from time to time. How long would it take you to walk around the vehicle? A quick glance at the tires, doors, windows and mirrors (to ensure they are clear), trunk and under the front of the vehicle will only take roughly 10 seconds. That’s only 10 seconds out of your day. It would take more time out of your day if it caused damage to your vehicle. When you’re looking at the tires, check for the ice build up behind the wheels. Use your ice scraper to clear it away before getting into your vehicle.
Most drivers never think about these little things, but now you can keep your car happy, even in this cold weather.