With fall weather in full swing and cooler temperatures around the corner, now is a great time to start preparing your car for winter. If you’ve spent any time in Texoma at all, you know that we could face just about any kind of winter weather, from freezing rain to blizzard like conditions. Ensuring your car is prepped and ready to handle the weather is essential for safe roadway navigation this winter. Many of us know to check tires and batteries, but what else should you be checking before the colder weather hits? Listed below is a winter vehicle prep checklist.
Winter Vehicle Prep Check List
- Top off windshield washer reservoir with high quality ‘no-freeze’ fluid.
- Check windshield wipers and defrosters.
- Check that floor mats don’t interfere with pedals.
- Check battery.
- Get oil change and fluids checked before winter.
- Check your cooling system.
- Inspect and check the age of your tires.
- Pack an emergency kit.
- Know your vehicle.
Mechanical Maintenance and Preparation For Winter Driving
Cold weather can be difficult on vehicles, so make sure your battery, engine and tires are all ready for the winter months. Since batteries have to work harder in colder weather, have the voltage of your battery checked and make sure all charging systems and belts are inspected and in working order. Make sure you’re using the right oil for your vehicle during the winter months. Check the age and tread wear of your tires. You might not necessarily need special winter tires, but you do need the right tires for your vehicle.
Visibility is Essential
Outside of mechanical maintenance issues, visibility is absolutely essential for safe winter roadway navigation. Whether you’re driving through a thunderstorm or a blizzard, your safety and your family’s safety depends upon your ability to see what’s going on around you. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled and topped off with high quality ‘no-freeze’ fluid. Depending upon the type of weather you’re driving through, you could go through quite a bit in one trip. Also, it’s important to check that your defrosters are working properly and your windshield wipers are in good shape. If wipers look like they are cracking, peeling or in any way falling apart, it’s time to replace them.
The team at the Altman Legal Group wishes everybody safe and happy fall and winter driving seasons.