We all like to pretend that a winter driving accident will never happen to us but the truth is these accidents happen every winter to countless people. Rather than doing nothing and hoping for the best, be prepared for the chance that something could happen out on the road. Below you will find a checklist of things you need to prepare for before the bad weather hits.
Winter Car Care Checklist
Battery & Charging System – Make sure to get your car battery and portable charging system tested by a qualified technician. Have the battery terminals and cables checked to ensure that they are free from any corrosion and that the connection is tight. You want to make sure that your battery is fully charged and ready for the winter months.
Car Belts & Hoses – Inspect the drive belts for any signs of cracking or fraying. You also want to have the cooling system inspected to make sure that you don’t have any cracked hoses or loose clamps.
Winter Car Tires – If you plan on driving in heavy winter weather, you should install snow tires that can provide the best traction. If you only experience light to moderate snow conditions, all-weather tires with adequate tread depth should perform fine. Replace tires with worn tread or those that show uneven tire wear. Uneven tread is also a sign that you should have the car inspected for wheel balance, alignment or suspension problems.
Tire Pressure– Frequently check the pressure in all your tires during fall and winter. Tire pressure will tend to drop as the weather gets colder.
Coolant Levels – Inspect the coolant level in your overflow tank while the engine is still cold. Ensure that you maintain the proper antifreeze level for you car.
Wiper Blades & Washer Fluid – Inspect your blades to make sure that they are capable of cleaning the windshield in one even swipe. If you find that they are leaving heavy streaks, replace your wiper blades. You should also make sure that your washer fluid reservoir is filled with a solution that has anti-freezing features.
Brakes – If there are any warning signs of a brake issue, have them inspected by a certified technician immediately to ensure everything is in good working order. Winter is definitely not the time of year that you want to have brake problems.
Car Fluids– Make sure that all of your fluids are at or above the minimum safe levels.
Emergency Road Kit – You should always keep an emergency road kit for winter weather in the car. This kit will contain items such as:
- Drinking water.
- First-aid kit.
- Non-perishable snacks
- Traction mats or bag of abrasive material (salt, sand or cat litter).
- Snow shovel.
- Blankets.
- Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves).
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Window washer solvent.
- Ice scraper with brush.
- Cloth or roll of paper towels.
- Jumper cables.
- Warning devices (flares or triangles).
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).
To learn about our safe-driving tips for teens or car repair services, contact Meyer’s Automotive today.