November is here and winter is upon us. As you brace yourself for dropping temperatures and snow falls, don’t forget that your vehicle needs to be prepared for winter, too. Wondering how to prepare your vehicle for winter? Think about preventative maintenance and consider stowing items in your car so you’ll be prepared for emergencies.
Here are seven important vehicle maintenance and winter preparation items you should take care of to be sure that your car is ready for the cold weather:
- Check your oil: If your car is due for an oil change, consider refilling it with a lower viscosity oil, which does a better job of handling extreme temperatures. The lower the viscosity, the thinner it is, and the more it will retain its fluidity in cold temperatures.
- Top off your antifreeze: When was the last time you checked or refilled your antifreeze? If it’s been a while, now is definitely the time to take care of it.
- Check your wiper fluid and condition of your wipers: Clear visibility is essential to your safety on the road. Ample wiper fluid and good wiper blades will help keep your windshield clear.
- Get a wash and wax: Your vehicle will be subjected to a lot of abuse from ice, snow, and salt. Head into the winter months with a little extra protection.
- Gather emergency items: Preparing your car for a winter season includes packing some emergency items in your trunk/back seat. Items include: an ice scraper, blanket, first-aid kit, extra clothes, flashlight, jumper cables, and anything else you think you might need in case of emergency.
- Monitor tire pressure: Even the slightest temperature changes can impact tire pressure. Make sure to check the optimal tire pressure on the label of the driver’s side door frame or in your owner’s manual.
- Think about new tires: Especially in adverse conditions, car tires are one of the only things keeping you from a major spin out, collision, and other roadside disasters. Chances are if you’ve been thinking about getting new ones, you probably need them.
Before holiday season activities and obligations fill up your schedule, take care of these winter car care items. You will be prepared when the winter weather arrives in full force.
