How You Can Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather

As the months start to get colder and the weather begins to change, those who live in the northern hemisphere may need to start making preparations for the winter to come. Winter weather can bring snow, freezing rain, and sleet that make many aspects of daily life much more difficult than usual. 

To face the coming complications, you need to take precautions: start by getting your car ready for the changing terrain.

The following are four ways you can ensure your car is set to travel during the cold weather. 

1) Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze Levels 

Your car’s coolant is what keeps the engine from overheating; its antifreeze is what keeps the engine from freezing. Without either of these in the winter months, you might find yourself stranded on the side of the road.  

To prep for the season, get a kit to check your coolant levels from your local auto supply store. A kit will tell if you have the right amount of coolant mix. You can check the levels of antifreeze in your automobile by looking at the instructions laid out in the car’s manual. If you need to add more antifreeze, you can easily do so. 

2) Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread Depth 

Good tires are the most important thing you need for winter travel. The fact of the matter is staying on the road when it’s snowing or hailing is questionable. You can ensure your car stays secure by investing in some quality snow all season tires. 

If you’ve already purchased some reliable tires, do your part to ensure that they stay in good shape for the coldest season. Check your tire pressure and adjust them according to your car manual’s recommendations. 

Check the tread by doing inserting a penny into your tire’s tread. Point the face of Lincoln towards you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head then it’s time to replace your tire.  

3) Make A Winter Supplies Kit for Your Car 

For your best interest and your vehicle, you need to have a kit filled with winter supplies packed into your trunk. Having a box of things you need in your car if something has gone wrong can make all the difference when you’re traveling on a cold winter day. 

Include the following items:

• First-aid kit
• Extra pair of gloves
• Charged cellphone for emergency calls
• Extra ice scraper
• Radio
• Road flares
• Flashlight
• Change of clothes
• Blankets
• High-energy snacks

You can easily put these items in Rubbermaid containers or a duffle bag and store them during the other seasons. Be sure to check that the items are still in good condition and fully charged before throwing them into your trunk. 

4) Use Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid 

Not all windshield wiper fluid is the same. The ordinary wiper fluid that you use during the summer, spring, and even autumn freezes when it comes in contact with the winter air. If you don’t purchase a winter-specific fluid, you’re just wasting your money.

As soon as the temperature drops, switch your fluid to the “winter” labeled-products. The winter fluid is designed for the freezing weather. This type of fluid is actually formulated to loosen snow and ice from your windshield.  

The Bottom Line

Making the changes listed above are not just useful when you’re trying to operate a vehicle during the winter months; it’s the best you can do to protect yourself and your family. Most of these changes are quick fixes with affordable materials you can get at your local retailer. At the very least, prepare yourself with a winter supplies kit!