The winter season can be tough on cars, and on drivers. The threat of blowing snow and whiteout conditions can turn a daily commute into a nightmare. Slick roads can make your normal errands an exercise in fright and frustration. The cold weather can make starting harder, or even leave you stranded by the side of the road.
Before the winter season arrives, you need to winterize your car so it is ready for the worst the cold weather has to offer. You do not want to wait until the snow starts to fall to take care of these things – the time to winterize your car is now, before the cold days of winter arrive.
Check Your Antifreeze
You probably do not think much about your antifreeze, at least until your car breaks down. Now is the time to check your antifreeze level and make sure the fluid is still in good shape.
Just pop the top on the fluid reservoir and look inside. If the level is still full and the antifreeze is in good shape, you do not have to do a thing. If things do not look right, you will want to have the antifreeze professionally flushed and filled before winter arrives.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
If you do not remember the last time you bought new wiper blades, you are probably overdue. Now is the time to invest in a new set of wiper blades, so you will be able to see clearly when the winter snow and ice arrives.
Be sure to give your wiper blades a good cleaning before you leave the driveway. Wiper blades can accumulate dust and debris, and that can streak your windshield and leave you squinting. You do not want to compromise your vision, so pay careful attention to your wiper blades — and make sure your wiper fluid reservoir is freshly topped off.
Check Your Tires
Driving in winter with bald tires is just asking for trouble, so now is the time to check your tread and make sure those tires will make it through another season. All you need to check your tread is one penny – just place the coin in the shallowest part of the tread. If you can see Abe’s head, you should head to the tire store.
When you get there, you might want to ask about snow tires instead of all season ones. If you live in an area with lots of snow, these special tires will give you extra grip and improve your safety on the road.
Now is the time to get ready for winter. By taking a few minutes to check your car, you can improve your winter safety and reduce the odds of an accident once the snow starts to fall.
