How to Prepare Your Car for Winter
As the cooler months roll in, it’s important to take care of your car before problems occur. Cold weather can be hard on your vehicle, especially if you don’t park it in the garage. Here are a few things to check on your vehicle before the snow begins to fall.
Tires
If you haven’t replaced your tires in a while, now may be the time. Check the tread on your tires to make sure they aren’t too worn – using a penny, turn the coin upside-down, inserting the coin Lincoln-head-first into your tire tread. If you can still see all of Lincoln’s head, you may need new tires. If your tire tread is sufficient, make sure you adjust your tire pressure for the cold air.
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Battery
If your battery has been giving you any trouble during the summer, it’s likely those problems will increase with the cold weather. Consider taking your car to the dealership for a once-over and replacing the battery if necessary. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the highway in a snowstorm with a dead battery.
Fluids
Now may be a good time to check the fluids in your car. Check your coolant and antifreeze levels to help prevent frozen fluids in your radiator. Have your oil and brake fluids changed if needed, and fill up your windshield washer fluid with a freeze-resistant option.
Emergency Kit
If you don’t have one already, put together a quick and easy emergency kit for the winter months. Include essential items like blankets, gloves, a flashlight, ice scrapers, non-perishable food items, and a first aid kit. The DMV also recommends a small container of cat litter to help create traction if your vehicle is stuck in the snow.
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The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.