Preparing Your Car for Winter Weather
Winter is a gorgeous time of the year in its own way but along with snow, ice and freezing temperatures come slick roadways. Here in Missouri, we have had winter weather, spring weather and of course everything in between. But the snow and ice is something that we always have our fair share of in winter. Here are some great tips on how to be prepared for winter driving hazards and cautions.
Be Prepared
Be Prepared. Check your vehicle over to ensure you have everything you need in it in case of an emergency. Double-check your battery, windshield wipers, tires, anti-free, windshield wiper fluid, spare tire, heater, defroster and of course your brakes. If you don’t know how to do it yourself take it to a local shop and most can do it for you for a small fee.
- Prepare your survival kit and keep it in your vehicle. Here are a few much-needed supplies:
- Flashlights
- Emergency safety kit is kept in our vehicles year around. We just pull them out every 6 months to make sure everything is still in working order and then it goes right back in.
- blankets
- high energy foods
- water
- first aid kit
- shovels
- cat litter or sand for traction.
- Coveralls (or extra outerwear)
- Hats, Gloves, Scarves
- Hand/Feet Warmers because being stuck alongside the road and being cold isn’t much fun.
- Keep a source of heat in your vehicle. Get a glass candle and some matches to keep in there for a heat source, or a metal can and a candle. This will allow you to heat your vehicle without having to run the engine.
- Another must-have for our vehicle is a portable cell phone charger that is run by batteries so we can keep in contact with emergency crews and family.
Check out the car for safety
Cars do so much better when they’re well taken care of and before winter really hits, we check our tires. Do they have enough tread? When was the last time we bought new tires, is the spare properly inflated? It’s not worth risking anyone’s life in the winter weather because of bad tires. Cars do so much better when they’re well taken care of so take the time and money to invest in new tires.
Does it need a tune-up?
All vehicles should go through a mechanic for a quick tune-up prior to hitting the winter roads. Winter roads are rather dangerous, so you will want your vehicle to be in tip-top shape. If you cannot afford a car tune-up, then make sure all of your liquids are topped off. You’ll also want to make sure there are not any unusual noises happening within the engine as well.
How are the Windshield Wipers?
One thing you should not forget to do while prepping your car for winter weather is new windshield wipers. Wipers are a necessity for you to be able to see out of your front windshield. You may also want to keep an extra old towel on hand, just in case you need to clear your windshield of debris at some point this winter. Check the fluids too, and have an extra bottle of windshield wiper fluid in the back for just in cases.
Getting your car ready for winter can take some time, but these tips will help you knock the items off your list fast. What does your checklist look like for prepping your car for winter weather? Hopefully, you have your winter survival kit in the vehicle already but if not, get it done as soon as possible. There is nothing worse than being stranded alongside the road and not being prepared. Be sure to check out the Fred Martin Superstore for your vehicle needs.
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