How to Winterize a Car for Alaska

It’s no secret that Alaska winters can be long and cold. But by properly winterizing your car for Alaska, you can continue to count on your vehicle’s performance and ensure its drivability on the roads of North Pole and Fort Wainwright, all while minimizing common cold-weather risks. In this guide, Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks tells you how to winterize a car for Alaska so you’re prepared for the colder months ahead.

DIY Alaska Vehicle Winterization

There are many ways to winterize a car in Fairbanks, Alaska, and beyond, some of which you can perform yourself. These DIY tasks should be done both at the start of the season and throughout the winter months for maximum safety and peace of mind. Here’s how to winterize a car for Alaska yourself:

• Check the tread depth on your tires with the penny test. Simply insert a penny, upside-down with Lincoln’s head facing you, into your tire tread as far as it will go. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32nd of an inch, which means it can’t grip the road as effectively, and your tires–and safety–may be at risk. Visit our tire center for replacements.
• Check tire pressure by removing the valve stem cap and placing a tire gauge over the open stem for a few seconds. Compare the reading with the recommended psi found in your owner’s manual.
• Switch to winter wiper blades, which contain a type of rubber that is able to maintain its suppleness and flexibility in cold temperatures, helping provide a safe and clear view of the road in front of you.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full, as this helps prevent fuel lines from freezing in frigid Eielson Airforce Base temps.

You should also be prepared for emergencies on winter roads. This is where an emergency kit is essential. Pack a box and keep it easily accessible; be sure to include extra winter clothing and blankets, a first aid kit, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small shovel, and shelf-stable snacks and water.

Professional Alaska Vehicle Winterization

While some tasks are easy to perform at home, others are best left to the professionals at Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks. It’s always a good idea when winterizing your car for Alaska to start with a comprehensive inspection. Our certified technicians will check all major vehicle systems to guarantee reliable performance this winter. The professional Alaska vehicle winterization checklist often includes:

• Changing the oil
• Checking the brakes
• Confirming the operation of the heating and defroster systems
• Installing snow tires
• Performing fluid checks and replacements
• Testing the car battery

Winterize a Car in Fairbanks, Alaska, at Chevrolet GMC Of Fairbanks

Now that you know how to winterize a car for Alaska, our service team is happy to take care of all your winterization needs. Schedule an appointment online or contact us directly. By readying your vehicle for weather changes, you can expect a dependable ride this winter and all year through.