Winterizing your car consists of more than switching from air conditioning to heat. Unfortunately, some people discover the consequences of failing to properly winterize their car.
Discover tips to winterize your car and learn how to increase the chances of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe while on the road this winter.
Seek Help
Do not attempt to winterize your car if you do not have the knowledge to do so. Do not let anyone work on your vehicle unless that person has professional knowledge and expertise. Rather than risk costly repairs, leave it to the experts who know how to properly winterize your car.
Change the tires
If you live in a colder area where the weather turns snowy and icy, snow tires are likely an ideal choice for the freezing winter weather. Driving with tires not meant for inclement weather during the winter possibly increases the likelihood of sliding or skidding on ice or increases the risk of finding yourself stuck in the snow.
Always keep the coolant reservoir filled.
Buy premixed antifreeze to ensure the proper mixture. You can make sure your antifreeze is the correct mixture if you purchase an antifreeze tester. You can also leave it to the professionals, which often proves cheaper and safer in the long-run.
Get an oil change
Preparing for the winter includes winterizing your car with an oil change.
Do not wait until there is a foot of snow on the ground to get your oil changed. Get a maintenance check early
Minimize your risk of a disaster when you let the professionals check your hoses, belts, battery, and heater and conduct other checks crucial to keeping you safe on the road.
Avoid jeopardizing the safety of your loved ones, innocent people on the road as well as your own safety by getting a routine maintenance check.
Always be prepared.
Make sure that you have an emergency kit with flares, jumper cables, spare tire, tire chains, basic tools, flashlight with working batteries and a bag of sand or kitty litter in each of your vehicles. Most big box stores and auto parts stores carry reasonably priced emergency kits.
Pack an emergency kit.
Additionally, always keep an ice scraper, paper towels, and clean, dry rags in your car. Keep a couple of blankets, drinking water and non-perishable snacks in your car in case you do get stuck or in case of another emergency that prevents you from continuing on your way.Purchasing a first aid kit to keep in your car allows you to provide first aid for minor incidents or injuries, should they occur while driving. You can also make your own first aid kit. Essential items to keep in a dry, clean container includes bandages, adhesive or paper tape, Band-Aids, scissors, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, wet wipes, over the counter pain reliever and an ace bandage.
When you take proper precautions to winterize your car, you likely save money. More importantly, you could potentially save your life, the lives of your loved ones and other motorists on the road this winter.