As winter temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to make sure your car is prepared for the cold weather and winter driving. Winter often brings sub-freezing temperatures and slippery roads, and equipping your car properly makes the difference in safe winter driving. Here are eight tips to help you improve your car for winter.
1. Check your battery
The cold weather can make your car’s battery less effective, so make sure it’s working smoothly and won’t quit while you’re out and about.
2. Update your oil to a winter-grade version
Plunging temperatures can thicken your car’s oil, which makes it flow sluggishly through your engine. Consider upgrading to an oil specifically designed for winter weather to ensure your engine runs properly.
3. Inspect your tires, and buy winter tires if necessary
When winter comes, the cold weather causes the air in your tires to shrink. This flattens your tires so they don’t have the correct pressure. Air up your tires, and make sure they have a thick, sturdy tread so they can handle icy and snowy roads. If your area receives snow often, consider changing to winter tires for safe winter driving.
4. Check your windshield wipers
Make sure your wipers aren’t cracked, chipped, or loose. You may want to invest in a pair of sturdy winter-grade wipers so they can fight against the snow and ice effectively.
5. Examine your lights
With gloomy winter days, your lights both help you see the road clearly and make sure other drivers are aware of your car. Inspect them to ensure they are bright enough for dark evenings and winter storms.
6. Make sure your heater and defroster work
You may not have used your heater or defroster in several months, so it’s a good idea to check them out before it gets too cold. The last thing you want is for your car’s warm air to quit while it’s frigid outside and your windows are fogging up.
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7. Keep your gas tank full
Your fuel lines may freeze if gas levels get too low, so avoid that by always keeping your gas tank above three-quarters. Plus, you never know when a winter storm can blow in and leave you stranded, so make sure you have plenty of gas for any of those unexpected situations.
8. Build a winter emergency kit
Speaking of unexpected situations, pack some items that would be handy in an emergency situation and keep them in your car. Some good things to include would be a blanket, a flashlight, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and extra warm clothing for you and any passengers. Also, a bag of sand or cat litter can provide extra traction if your car gets stuck.
If you take the time to prepare your car for winter driving, you can avoid many unpleasant situations—or at least make them more bearable! For more suggestions on getting your car winter-ready, see our winter driving course.
