Old Man Winter can be brutal on a vehicle; between the cold temps, ice, snow and salt on the roads, your vehicle goes through the ringer. Make sure you’re doing all you can this season to keep it well maintained and prevent long-term damage.
Here are some helpful tips:
Check your tire pressure weekly –
According to Consumer Reports, colder temperatures will cause tire pressure to drop about 1 psi for every 10°F drop in air temperature. Additionally, if you’re driving on underinflated tires, it can cause them to wear down, which will mean you lose traction on those snowy, icy roads.
Keep your fuel tank half full –
In the colder months, you always want to make sure you have plenty of gas in your tank in case you get stuck somewhere and need to keep warm while waiting for a tow. Best to be prepared!
Top off your washer fluid –
If you’ve ever run out of washer fluid the day after a snowstorm, you know how quickly your windshield can get covered in slush from the road, making it impossible to see. Always make sure to keep that fluid topped off or have an extra bottle in your trunk.
Check your battery –
It’s difficult for batteries to perform in the colder months, so a weak battery could turn into a dead battery quickly in the winter. Take your vehicle in to have a volt test and make sure you have plenty of juice to last the winter!
Check your wipers –
You may be surprised to hear that most makers of windshield wipers recommend you change them out every 6 months. So it might be wise to get a new pair at the beginning of each winter season.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This can include things like extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, a whistle, bottled water, food, first-aid kit and jumper cables.
Happy driving!