The winter season is full of unpredictable weather, making for unpredictable car troubles. The greatest way to avoid car inconveniences is to be prepared before any problems occur. There are several things you can do to prepare your car before the snow falls and be ready for any winter weather situation.
Winter Tires
A good place to start is by buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are made with a rubber compound that stays pliable even in cold weather. This will lead to enhanced traction on the road, even when it’s wet and icy.
Tire Pressure
It’s also important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. You can purchase a gauge at any auto supply store and follow your vehicle’s manual recommendations for pressure level. Some gas stations even offer free tire fill ups.
Check Antifreeze Levels
Make sure your antifreeze is filled to the proper level. This is what keeps your engine from freezing during the colder months. Without it, your engine could freeze, which would lead to a whole slew of different problems. Kits for checking your engine’s coolant levels are sold at auto supply stores. Your car manual will also let you know what levels are necessary to run your vehicle efficiently.
Winter Wiper Fluid
Different types of wiper fluid are made for different seasons and it’s important to determine if your car is properly fueled with the proper wiper fluid. Winter fluid will help loosen ice and snow from your windshield, making it easier to keep things clear.
Winter-Grade Oil
Switch to a winter-grade oil at your next oil change. The colder the weather, the thinner you want the oil in your engine to be. The idea is to switch to an oil that has a lower cold weather viscosity grade. If you normally use 10W-30 oil, switching to 5W-30 oil will greatly benefit your vehicle.
Test Your Battery
Extremely cold weather has the potential to kill a bad car battery. It’s a struggle to jump your car in cold weather, so it’s important to get your battery tested and charged if necessary. Make sure the voltage is above 10 when the car cranks, and above 12 when the car is running. If you notice your battery is going bad, make sure to immediately replace it.
Car Emergency Kit
You should have a car emergency kit in your vehicle year-round but especially throughout the winter season. Some items to include are a blanket, extra phone charging cord, gloves, snow boots, a heavy coat, extra food and water, a flashlight, a tow rope, and backup jumper cables. These resources will be very useful in case of many different emergencies.
Snow Shovel In Your Trunk
Make sure to keep a snow shovel in your car for when it gets stuck in the snow. It’s also a good idea to keep an ice scraper on hand.
Roadside Assistance Membership
Consider purchasing a roadside assistance membership. Especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snowstorms and ice throughout the winter season. AAA or Better World Club provide help in any situation you cannot get out of with just a phone call – a good way to feel secure no matter what happens on the road.
Protect your family and keep them safe while on the road. Take the time to prepare for the winter season. Have supplies ready for any emergency. My Alarm Center provides home security to keep you safe and wants to help you stay safe on the road as well.