With temperatures dropping, it’s time to make sure your car or truck is ready for winter. The right maintenance, preparation and tools can be literal lifesavers in harsh conditions. Here are five ways to make sure you’re ready to withstand cold weather for a safe driving experience.
Have your mechanic inspect your battery, hoses, belts and fluids
Winter temperatures can be pretty brutal on your car. If you have a cracked hose or a worn belt, the frigid air just might cause the weak area to give out. Batteries are more likely to die in winter as your vehicle needs more current to fight the cold.
Also have all lights and your heater/defroster checked out to ensure they won’t let you down at a critical time.
Replace the wiper blades
Your windshield wiper blades need to be at peak performance to help clear snow and sleet as you’re driving. It’s easy to procrastinate on this task, and millions of drivers do just that. But worn wiper blades can smear snow and ice,putting your ability to see the road — and ultimately, your life — at risk.
Check your tires — all of them
Winter is the season when your tires need to be at their best. So, have them checked now, long before bad weather suddenly appears, to ensure they have the proper tread.
If the tires are sound, make sure they are properly inflated. Don’t forget to check the spare, too! Remember that cold weather causes tires to lose air more quickly. So check your pressure at least monthly.
Keep visibility in mind
Seeing clearly in winter weather is key. First and foremost,get a good snow brush/scraper. They’re inexpensive and the bigger it is the faster and better you can clear the glass. Be careful not to scratch the windows –start with minimal pressure and add more gradually. Also clean your windows. You’d be amazed at how much gunk can build up on the inside portion of your windshield.
Prepare an emergency kit
Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recommends keeping thefollowing items on hand:
- Extra gloves
- Boots and blankets
- Flares
- A small shovel and a container of sand or kitty litter
- Tire chains
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- A cellphone and an extra car charger
- “High-energy” snacks in your glove box