If you didn’t hear, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so we might be in for six more weeks of winter! Because of this, we want to cover some tips to help keep your car running in top quality and to protect yourself during the winter.
Car Maintenance in Winter
To handle weather conditions on the road, change to winter tires and make sure you have tires filled to optimal pressure for best performance. The deeper treads allow for better traction on snow and other harsh effects.
Replace your original windshield wash with a winterized version. The extra chemicals in the wash will be able to clear off ice and road salt that may wind up on your windshield while driving.
Let your car warm up for a few minutes before driving if it’s been in the cold. This will allow internal fluids to properly warm up and prevent damage to the engine. You should also prevent your fuel from going below half tank in case you wind up in traffic due to snowy weather.
Finally, basic car maintenance during the winter is always important! If you discover any problems while driving, make sure you follow up with them. The best measure for protecting yourself is by preventing the problem first!
Essential Items
Heavy clothing and jackets are a great backup to have in case your car breaks down and the heat doesn’t work. Hypothermia can set in within minutes, so it’s crucial to keep yourself warm.
This item may not be used often, but you’ll be glad you brought it along! A first aid kit isn’t only useful in the winter, but for a variety of emergencies.
One last note, keeping water and nonperishable food in your car is another great tip! Some nonperishable food includes beef jerky, nutrient bars, crackers, and the like.
These are some of our essential car maintenance tips for staying safe on the road during the winter season. If you ever pass another car on the side of the road, don’t forget that could be you one day! It’s important to plan for the future and take all precautions.