A Winterization Reminder.

A friendly reminder that its getting cold and we need to check that our cars, boats, and houses are ready for the deep freeze. Here are some things to check for.

Tips for your home.

1) Furnace Inspection

2) Check Fireplace For Proper Operation

3) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

4) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

5) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces

6) Prepare an Emergency Kit

7) Install Crawl Space Vent Covers and Water Spout Covers.


Tips For Your Car.

1) Install new wiper blades.

2) Have your cooling system checked. (A bad thermostat or improper antifreeze level can harm your engine)

3) Have your battery checked. (A battery 4 1/2 years old should be replaced)

4) Check your tire pressure. (Tires may become low as the temperature drops)

5) Make sure the tires are in good condition. If you are not sure what this means, ask a mechanic.

6) Check the lights, heater and defroster.

7) Keep the fuel tank as full as possible to keep moisture from freezing in the fuel lines.

8) Get a break check done if you haven't had one done in the last 6 months. (A lot of shops offer free break checks)

9) Put together an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow).

10) Check that your traction chains or cables are in good condition. Practice installing chains in your driveway before the snow hits to refresh your memory on installation.


Tips For Your Boat.

1) Engine(s)

• Change the oil.(Warm engine first to help the flow of oil and particulates)
  
• Remove spark plugs and use fogging oil in each cylinder.
  
• Open all water drains and allow to drain. (There are different methods for various motors. Check owners manual)
• Take a shop rag and wipe down the motor with fogging oil.
  

2) Stern Drive(s)

• Inspect stern drive for and remove plant life.
• Drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture. (This could indicate leaking seals and would need repairs done)
• Check all boots for cracks and holes. (Drive should be stored in the down position. This will keep from stretching and wearing out the boot)
• Grease all fittings and check fluid in the power steering and trim/trailering pumps.
  
• Check owners manual for further steps.
  

3) Fuel

• Fill tanks as full as possible. (This will help avoid condensation buildup)
• Add a fuel stabilizer by following the instructions on the bottle.
  
• Change the fuel filter and water separator.
  
• Watch out for hi level Ethanol fuels. Ethanol adsorbs water and storage over time will harm your fuel system.
  

4) Bilges

• Clean and dry bilges.
  
• Spray with moisture displacing lubricant and add a little antifreeze to keep any water from freezing. (Drain antifreeze from bilge into an appropriate container)

5) Other Steps

• Remove any equipment not needed while in storage. (PFDs, Electronics, FDSs, Fire Extinguishers, Fender and Lines)
• Open all Cabinets and Drawers.
  
• Appliances ready for long storage.
  
• E-Z Dry or heaters.
  
• Remove Battery and trickle charge or charge every 30 days.
  

I hope this helps you in your winterizing efforts this year. This is by no means a complete list or an appropriate list for you house, car or boat. These are just generality's and you should seek professional help when tackling jobs you don't feel comfortable doing.

A quote from our Division Commander, Daren Lewis.
"Be safe and look to the safety of your shipmates."