There are a number of preventative measures that you can take to help keep you safe and comfortable no matter what happens during your winter drive times. Regular maintenance is always a good idea of course because if you maintain, then you won’t need to repair and it’s very unlikely you’ll be caught by surprise by any kind of mechanical failure.

Beyond that, there are a number of things you can do that are unique to winter driving. To start, let’s make sure you’re prepared for anything by loading your vehicle with…

Emergency Supplies

Despite excellent planning, winter weather can still take you by surprise and put you in a dangerous situation. Be ready for the unexpected by equipping your car with:

• An Ice Scraper with a Brush
• A shovel
• Gloves, a Winter Hat and Scarf
• Winter Blanket
• Emergency Flares
• Ice Melt or Kitty Litter
• A First Aid Kit
• A Tow Rope
• Jumper Cables
• A Flashlight You Can Recharge In Your Vehicle
• Non-Perishable Snacks

The additional clothing like gloves and hat are no joke. Many of us think we can dart from home to vehicle and back again and don’t need to bulk up with heavy winter clothing, but if your plans go awry and you’re stuck out in freezing weather, looking fashionable won’t help. If you want to look good and dress light, then make sure the heavy clothing needed in an emergency is in your vehicle so you have it when you need it.

Check Your Battery

The chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down in extremely cold temperatures, and your car requires more current from the battery to start the engine. To avoid a car that won’t start on a cold morning, run a battery load test to see if your battery has enough juice and check the battery cables and terminals for cracks and corrosion.

Fill Your Washer Fluid

Winter driving is hard enough—reduced visibility makes it much worse. Having enough wiper fluid is crucial to keeping your windshield free of ice, snow, salt, and mud. Make sure you use freeze-resistant wiper fluid. Consider keeping an extra jug in your vehicle as well.

Replace Your Wiper Blades

Keeping your windshield free of winter precipitation is a tough job—make sure your wiper blades are up to the task. Most blades are only good for six months to a year, so chances are you need new ones.

Get Some Winter Tires

Nothing will perform in winter like proper winter tires. Do not expect your all-season tires or four-season tires to do the job. If you want the best possible control of your vehicle, make certain you have proper winter tires with good tread depth.

Every year people attempt to run all-seasons or, worse yet, performance tires through the winter and get into serious trouble. Even 4-wheel-drive won’t save you if all 4 wheels are spinning.

Get An Oil Change

Your engine needs lubrication to run, but cold weather thickens oil and reduces its ability to circulate through the engine, so make sure you have fresh oil to keep things running smoothly. Some experts recommend using a thinner oil during the winter months—consult your owner’s manual or mechanic to see if that approach is right for your car.

Check Your Belts and Hoses

Cold temperatures can weaken the belts and hoses that keep your engine running. Prepare for winter by checking all belts and hoses for cracks or signs of wear and tear, and replace them if needed.

If you’re interested in arranging any kind of pre-winter service, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional services may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss how we can best serve your needs. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.