Getting caught unprepared in wet or slick conditions can be frightening. Avoid the accidents and trouble that can occur during the winter months by preparing your car for winter before the first snowfall.
Begin with Routine Maintenance
The maintenance that you provide your car when you are getting ready for a trip and throughout the rest of the year is especially important in the weeks before winter. This would be a good time for you to have your car serviced. Get the brakes and battery checked out. Have the tires replaced or inspected. Make sure that your fluids are full and that your windshield wipers work. It will also be important that the heater and the defrost functions in your car are operating efficiently. Make sure that the lights are working correctly and are in the right positions. In general, while the weather is still dry and comfortable, give your car a thorough inspection and make sure that everything is in good working condition.
Special Focus on the Tires and Brakes
The condition of your tires and brakes can mean the difference between sliding out of control in a dangerous situation and retaining control of your vehicle. Depending on the winter weather of the area where you live, you may want to be sure that you have studded-snow tires, all-season tires or other appropriate new tires. All of your tires should have good tread on them. Give your tires a thorough visual inspection to be sure that they are wearing evenly. Use your air pressure gauge to be sure that the tires are inflated correctly. Have a professional check your brakes to be sure that they are in perfect condition and are prepared to work well in the cold.
If you live in an area with severe freezing and snow conditions, check out the condition of your tire chains as well.
Inspect the Coolant System
You'll want to be sure that everything underneath the hood is operating correctly and has been given the appropriate attention to prepare for the cold winter months. Replace any cracked or bulging hoses. Test the radiator and have the water pump inspected. You may also want to have the thermostat looked over while the other parts are being check out.
Replace the antifreeze in your car regularly in order to protect the internal workings of your car from the freezing temperatures. Some experts suggest that a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is the best way to go.
Prepare the Car with Needed Supplies
There are many items that you can stash in your car that can save your life or help you cope with nasty driving conditions. Consider keeping your car stocked with:
€ Small door mat or rug
€ Cell phone and car charger
€ Bag of sand and a shovel
€ Windshield scraper and de-icing spray
€ Extra windshield wipers, windshield spray and other fluids
€ A first-aid kit
€ Flares
€ Nuts, granola bars, energy bars, crackers or jerky
€ Water-proof gloves
€ Blankets, flashlight, battery-powered radio
€ Jumper cables and tow rope
€ Water
Some vehicles can also be handled better during slick or icy conditions if there is extra weight to be distributed in order to balance out the weight in the car. Bags of rock salt or ice are often carried around during the winter. Sand bags can be used for multiple purposes if you find that you need some extra traction.
By preparing ahead of time, you'll be ready to face the first flurries of snow without concern for how well your car will handle and you will be able to give your full attention to the road and to other drivers.
Begin with Routine Maintenance
The maintenance that you provide your car when you are getting ready for a trip and throughout the rest of the year is especially important in the weeks before winter. This would be a good time for you to have your car serviced. Get the brakes and battery checked out. Have the tires replaced or inspected. Make sure that your fluids are full and that your windshield wipers work. It will also be important that the heater and the defrost functions in your car are operating efficiently. Make sure that the lights are working correctly and are in the right positions. In general, while the weather is still dry and comfortable, give your car a thorough inspection and make sure that everything is in good working condition.
Special Focus on the Tires and Brakes
The condition of your tires and brakes can mean the difference between sliding out of control in a dangerous situation and retaining control of your vehicle. Depending on the winter weather of the area where you live, you may want to be sure that you have studded-snow tires, all-season tires or other appropriate new tires. All of your tires should have good tread on them. Give your tires a thorough visual inspection to be sure that they are wearing evenly. Use your air pressure gauge to be sure that the tires are inflated correctly. Have a professional check your brakes to be sure that they are in perfect condition and are prepared to work well in the cold.
If you live in an area with severe freezing and snow conditions, check out the condition of your tire chains as well.
Inspect the Coolant System
You'll want to be sure that everything underneath the hood is operating correctly and has been given the appropriate attention to prepare for the cold winter months. Replace any cracked or bulging hoses. Test the radiator and have the water pump inspected. You may also want to have the thermostat looked over while the other parts are being check out.
Replace the antifreeze in your car regularly in order to protect the internal workings of your car from the freezing temperatures. Some experts suggest that a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is the best way to go.
Prepare the Car with Needed Supplies
There are many items that you can stash in your car that can save your life or help you cope with nasty driving conditions. Consider keeping your car stocked with:
€ Small door mat or rug
€ Cell phone and car charger
€ Bag of sand and a shovel
€ Windshield scraper and de-icing spray
€ Extra windshield wipers, windshield spray and other fluids
€ A first-aid kit
€ Flares
€ Nuts, granola bars, energy bars, crackers or jerky
€ Water-proof gloves
€ Blankets, flashlight, battery-powered radio
€ Jumper cables and tow rope
€ Water
Some vehicles can also be handled better during slick or icy conditions if there is extra weight to be distributed in order to balance out the weight in the car. Bags of rock salt or ice are often carried around during the winter. Sand bags can be used for multiple purposes if you find that you need some extra traction.
By preparing ahead of time, you'll be ready to face the first flurries of snow without concern for how well your car will handle and you will be able to give your full attention to the road and to other drivers.
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