Soon enough, the season is beginning to transition to winter. And while there are people who love the snow, for those who own vehicles, it is the entire opposite. The winter season can be detrimental to your car, especially when there is blizzard cropping out of nowhere. It is not going to be a smooth ride during the winter. In fact, it poses a number of challenges every day, aside from making sure that your car operates safely.
This is the reason why as early as now, you need to be prepared and get your vehicle ready for the cold weather to make sure that it will operate successfully throughout the winter months. Early preparation will also save you from unnecessary headaches and inconveniences, and it will ensure your own and your family’s safety when you are out driving.
To avoid any possible challenges to occur while driving in the winter, here are the tips you may need to follow.
1. Always check the car’s tire pressure
Ideally, you should be checking your tire pressure at least once a month and you should not miss it especially during winter months. That’s because the tire pressure drops when the temperature becomes colder. By monitoring the pressure, you can be assured that your tires can navigate the cold weather and you can handle the icy roads better.
2. Be ready with a “winter supply” in your car
It always pays to be ready, so for your safety, make sure that you always have a box that contains winter supplies in your trunk. This is to make sure that when something goes wrong when you are driving or traveling, you have an emergency kit to rely on. Examples of the most important tools that you should get in your box are the flashlight, first aid kit, road flares, extra warm clothes and gloves, blankets, radio, a cell phone to make emergency calls, ice scraper, water and snacks. Carrying these items especially during winter months can help because you will never know when you will get into trouble.
3. Get your battery tested
If you have a car, you must be aware that your car battery decreases faster in cold weather and that is the reason why it will be better if you get it checked by a trusted mechanic especially when you have plans to go on a long drive. This is just to make sure of its peak performance. Cold temperatures will need a well performing battery. When you are home, also make sure to keep your car parked in the garage instead of leaving it out and exposed in the cold so that you can keep your battery protected.
4. Check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels
Antifreeze is the one that’s keeping your engine from freezing during winter so it is important to check its level all the time. There is a kit you can purchase in auto supply stores that lets you check engine coolant levels so you might also want to buy that. You also have the option to add more antifreeze to your car if you need to, and it is very simple to do. You can just follow the instructions in your car’s manual.
5. Make use of winter windshield wiper fluid
If you are using an ordinary windshield wiper in all the other seasons, make sure that you use the one that’s really intended for cold during winter. The winter fluid is designed to protect and make sure that your windshield does not freeze. It even loosens the ice to constantly give you a clear view of the road.
6. Check if your windshield has cracks
If you see chips or cracks on your windshield, chances are they might just get worse when it starts to get cold. So before the winter months come, have them checked or repaired. You also have to check your wiper blades and make sure they are working fine to keep your windshield clear all the time and maintain good visibility on the road.
7. Inspect headlights and brake lights
When there is heavy snow, you will your headlights to be full functioning, and the same goes to your brake lights. This is to ensure that you have good visibility when you travel and to make sure that other drivers are also able see you.
