Winter can be a wonderful season, full of bright mornings and beautiful views. It can also be a season full of hazards, as freezing temperatures bring snow, ice, and other dangers along with it. There are steps we can take to minimize the risk, and one of the most important steps is making sure that your vehicle is prepped and ready for winter travel.
Inspect Your Tires
Good tires are going to be your first line of defense when the roads begin to freeze. Make sure to check the tread—you can place a penny in between the rubber treads and check to see if Lincoln’s head is obscured. If most or all of his head is visible, it’s time to invest in a new set of wheels.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on the air in your tires. Fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on your pressure, and the last thing you need is to blow a tire in an already slippery situation.
Consider Upgrading Your Wipers
If you live in an area that’s prone to ice, snow, or slush, you might want to purchase heavy duty winter windshield wipers for the colder months. These wipers have a thick rubber coating around the blade, allowing them to stay in between the glass and whatever is laying on top.
Whatever kind of wipers you have, however, it’s important that you do not use them to try and clear the ice when you first start your car. You can let the vehicle idle with the defrost on until the ice has reached a slushy consistency or use an ice scraper to speed up the process. Trying to use your wipers on solid ice will lead to damage that will impact their effectiveness.
Check Your Fluids
Cold temps can cause your fluid levels to drop, so it’s a good idea to check on your coolant, oil, power steering, and transmission fluids when the chill starts to move in. You can consult your owner’s manual to find out whether you should be using different products in the winter than you do in the summer. It’s also a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter. Not only will this allow you to keep your car cranked and your heater running if you were to get stranded, it also helps prevent any condensation building up inside the tank.
Stay a Step Ahead
You may want to go ahead and test your horn, battery, and brakes while you’re inspecting. You’ll want to be sure your brakes are in in good condition in case the roads are compromised. If your battery had struggled at all in the summer months, it’s certain to struggle more when the weather gets cold. Your horn can be a valuable tool if you get stuck or stranded, alerting potential rescuers to your position.
It would also be a good idea to keep your car stocked in case of an emergency. Keeping some clean drinking water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, and extra warm clothing in your backseat or trunk can make a huge difference if you get stuck somewhere for a few hours or overnight. You could also throw in an emergency kit. You could buy one premade, or put together your own. You may want to include a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a car charger for your phone, and a set of basic tools for any small repairs you might need to do.
Here at A&D Motors in Arab AL, we take your safety very seriously. So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle this winter, stop by 501 North Brindlee Mountain Parkway, Arab AL 35016 today for a test drive. Or you can give us a call at 256-586-1826 with any questions you might have. We can’t wait to hear from you!
