Winter is coming. Which means it’s time to winterize your vehicle. So what does that mean exactly? It means it’s time to prepare your car for the cold temperature, ice and snow that’s about to come. Here are some easy ways to do that.
Check Your Battery
Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions your car’s battery needs to create power. Therefore, it’s important to have a mechanic run a battery test to ensure yours can handle the cold. You may need to replace your battery entirely.
Wiper Blades and Fluid
When was the last time you changed your wiper blades? Winter weather brings snow, sleet and ice, which renders quite a beating to your wiper blades. Replace them and fill up on de-icing wiper fluid.
Check Your Tires
If you don’t plan on getting tires, check the pressure on your current ones. Cold temperatures cause the pressure in your tires to drop, and if your car doesn’t have a tire pressure sensor to alert you, it’s important to check them regularly. A deflated tire gives you less traction on wet, icy roads.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Snow and ice storms can leave you temporarily stranded in your car, so it is essential to stock up on emergency supplies. Here are some things you should always have in the trunk of your car:
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper Cables
- Flashlight
- Roadside Flares
- Power Bars
- Blankets
- Bottled Water
- First Aid Kit
Change Your Oil
Cold weather lessens the effectiveness of oil, so it’s important to change it completely right before the winter hits. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for your vehicle to be sure you’re using the right kind of oil.
Check Your Belts
Frigid temperatures can lead to wear and tear on your vehicle’s belts and hoses. Check for any sign of wear and replace if necessary.
Go to a trusted mechanic to winterize your vehicle before the cold weather hits.