With the cold weather quickly approaching, it is important to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming changes in season. Here are six ways to prepare your vehicle for colder weather.
-
Check Your Car Battery
One of the most important steps in getting your car ready for colder weather is to check your battery. Your battery life can take a huge hit when the seasons change and getting a simple check can make sure you aren’t left stranded. Cold temperatures reduce the power of the battery drastically. You can take your car into an auto parts store or shop and ask them for a simple check. If it needs to be charged you can do that in just a few minutes. If your battery is defective or needs to be replaced, make sure you get a new one.
-
Check and Change Your Oil if Needed
Oil gets thicker when the cold temps hit which makes it more difficult for your motor to turn over and start. You should routinely check your oil and follow up with regular oil changes all year, but it is especially important in the winter.
-
Check Your Tires
Having proper tread and air in your tires is important to safety. You should regularly check your air pressure to make sure they are at the recommended levels. Tires lose air more quickly when it’s colder outside. You should also check the tread to make sure your tires can handle being on roads with slick surfaces. Having your tires rotated regularly will help reduce uneven wear to keep you safe year-round.
-
Make Sure Your Lights are Working Properly
When colder weather hits, the sun sets earlier in the evenings and rises later in the mornings. If you have to drive to and from work when it is dark outside, then it is important to make sure you can see and be seen. If you have a bulb out, make sure you get it fixed now. If you have dingy headlights then you should consider replacing, or restoring, them as well.
-
Check Your Fluids
There are some fluids in your car that you should definitely check and fill when needed in order to prepare for colder weather. Having windshield wiper fluid can help you clean off your windshield to provide you with good visibility. You should also check your engine coolant to make sure your engine doesn’t freeze. In addition, keep your gas tank full so you can keep any accumulated water from freezing and help your car warm up faster.
-
Get an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit inside your car for a roadside emergency is always a good idea. You should make sure you have items such as battery jumper cables, water, some high protein snacks, blankets, gloves, an ice scraper, and clothes. These items will come in handy if you find your battery dead or if you get stuck.
Being stuck on the side of the road waiting for help can damper your mood tremendously so make sure to be prepared for the cold weather and save yourself from this situation.
Connect with us
