November is the most important transition month for Minnesota drivers. The beautiful fall colors are gone, and the real weather—the snow, ice, and bitter cold—is right around the corner.
At Oakdale Collision, we specialize in restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, but our ultimate goal is to help you avoid that accident altogether. Before you pack the family in the car for Thanksgiving travel or head out on icy roads, here are three critical vehicle components you need to check this month to maximize your safety.
1. The Underrated Safety Essential: Your Wiper Blades
Poor visibility is one of the main causes of winter accidents. fender-benders, and your worn-out summer blades simply aren’t up to the challenge of a Minnesota winter.
- The Problem: Rubber wiper blades become stiff and brittle in the cold. They can’t effectively clear slush, road salt, or freezing rain, leaving you with streaks and smears that completely obscure your view.
- Your November Action Plan:
- Inspect and Replace: Run your hand along the rubber edge of your blades. If you feel any nicks, cracks, or hardness, they need to go.
- Upgrade to Winter Blades: Consider investing in beam blades or winter-specific blades. These are designed with a protective cover to prevent ice and snow from building up on the framework, ensuring consistent pressure and a cleaner wipe.
- Refill Washer Fluid: Top off your reservoir with a winter-grade washer fluid that contains antifreeze. Using plain water or summer fluid can lead to a frozen reservoir when temperatures drop, leaving you stranded with no way to clean your windshield.
2. Your First Line of Defense: Tires and Tire Pressure
November’s unpredictable temperature swings are a nightmare for tire pressure. Proper inflation and tread are crucial for maintaining traction on slick pavement.
- The Science of Cold: For every 10-degree drop in air temperature, your tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. This means tires that were fine in October are likely underinflated now. Under-inflation leads to poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and increased risk of a blowout.
- Your November Action Plan:
- Check PSI (Cold): Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires in the morning before you drive. Inflate them to the PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb (NOT the number printed on the tire itself).
- Gauge the Tread: Use a quarter to check your tread depth. Insert the quarter upside down into a tread groove. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, your tread is worn down to 324 of an inch or less, and it’s time for new tires.
- Consider Winter Tires: If you drive frequently or live in an area with steep hills, dedicated winter tires offer significantly better grip and stopping distance on ice and snow once temperatures consistently drop below 45°F.
3. The Power Source: Your Battery
Cold weather dramatically reduces your car battery’s capacity while requiring more power to turn over a cold engine. This is why battery failure is the number one cause of winter breakdowns.
- The Problem: A battery that was weak in the summer may fail entirely when the temperatures plummet. At 32°F, a fully charged battery has about 35% less cranking power than it does at 80°F.
- Your November Action Plan:
- Get a Professional Test: If your battery is over three years old, have it tested at a local service center. They can check its charge and cold-cranking amps to determine if it will make it through the winter.
- Clean Corrosion: A crusty, white or bluish buildup around the terminals restricts the flow of power. You can clean this safely with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water (always wear gloves and eye protection!).
- Keep Jumper Cables Handy: Even if your battery is strong, keep a reliable set of jumper cables in your trunk—just in case you need to help out a neighbor (or they need to help you!).
At Oakdale Collision, we’re here to help whether you need a major repair after an accident or simply some peace of mind. Taking these three simple steps this November is the best investment you can make in your own safety this winter.
Drive safe, and stay warm!