The time that all drivers dread is almost upon us. When the snow and ice settle on the roads, it can be much more daunting to head out on a drive. If you don’t have a car that’s made for wintertime weather, there’s a lot you need to do to make sure it’s still safe to drive. We’re going to take a look at a few tips for preparing your car for winter, so you can feel safer and more prepared for whatever winter might throw your way.
Create an Emergency Supply Box
The last thing you want to happen is for your car to break down in the middle of a snowstorm. Should something like that happen, you’ll be glad you prepared in advance. Keep a box in your trunk full of important survival supplies, should you get stuck out in the cold. Fill it with extra blankets, extra ice scrapers, sand for getting traction, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a spare cell phone with a battery pack to call for help.
Check Your Tires
Your tires are going to see some serious wear and tear in the winter, so it’s best to address problems beforehand. Check the air pressure on all your tires, as well as look at their treads for signs of it wearing down. One useful car modification to make is getting snow tires before the first snowfall.
Refill Antifreeze and Coolant If Needed
Antifreeze isn’t just a name, after all—without it, your car’s engine has a very real chance of freezing over and leaving you stranded somewhere you don’t want to be. These levels are easy to check and even easier to refill if you need to. You can either do this yourself or ask a professional for help, just don’t forget to do it.
Use Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid
Specifically, you’re going to want windshield wiper fluid that helps with snow and ice. There are plenty of windshield wiper fluids that only really help against rain, but if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you’re going to need a more heavy-duty option. Winter fluid is also designed to not freeze to your windshield, meaning less annoying scraping to do.
Hopefully, these tips for preparing your car for winter will help you out of any situation you could find yourself in. Don’t get complacent with your car’s maintenance, and you should be able to ride out the winter without any problems.
