Winter comes with some unique challenges, especially if you live in an area with snow and ice. You probably dig out your heavy coat, gloves, and hats as well as your heavier clothing. However, what do you do to prepare your car for winter? You can do these things to get your car ready for the winter.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Tasks
When you spoke with a dealership about a new Jeep, commercial trucks, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, FIAT for sale, the representative should have told you all about the maintenance your new vehicle needs. You may even have a maintenance contract that covers some of these tasks. However, before winter really sets in, you need to do a few maintenance tasks to protect your new car.
First, change your antifreeze. You should also get your oil changed. Have your brakes, hoses, belts, wires, cables, and spark plugs checked. You may even get a tune-up.
Fill your windshield washer fluid, and change your wipers to winter options. Also, clean your battery terminals and cables. Remove any acid and grease so your connections are strong. Consider adding a terminal protectant spray. You can also lubricate your door locks, latches, hinges, weather stripping, and window tracks to prevent drag and seepage. You may even replace your cabin air filter.
Get Your Battery and Tires Tested
Before winter really sets in, you should have your battery tested. You should ensure you have the voltage and charge to sustain you through the winter months so you don’t get stranded anywhere. Fill your tires and check their tread. You may need to purchase and have your snow tires installed.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
As you prepare for winter, don’t forget to add a winter emergency kit to your vehicle. Add a shovel, ice scraper, kitty litter, jumper cables, flashlight with new batteries, and extra clothes and gloves. You can also include blankets, a small candle, and matches. Don’t forget flares and a portable air compressor. Include nonperishable food and water.
Add antifreeze and a first aid kit as well. You may even include a battery charger, tow rope, and a cell phone charger. Make sure you include anything you may need to weather a storm. Don’t forget any medications you may take, such as a notepad, pen, or pencil.
Test Your Systems
You should also check your major systems, including your cooling system and your heater, as well as your defrosters. Test all your lights as well, both interior and exterior.
Watch Your Fuel
You should never let your vehicle fuel get below one-quarter of a tank during the winter. In fact, most advise that you keep your tank half-filled. Also, plug your vehicle in at night if you have an EV model.
Refresh Your Winter Driving Knowledge and Skills
Finally, brush up on winter driving strategies by reviewing winter driving tips. Consider your driving and stopping speed and distance and what you should do if you start sliding on ice.
Get Ready for Winter
To keep yourself and your family safe this winter, take the necessary steps to prepare your vehicle. It may take a little time and money, but your safety is worth it.
