How To Prep Your Car For Winter
Sep 28, 2012
Just before Halloween last year, Philadelphia (along with most of the Northeast) was hit with several inches of snow. It was quite a bit earlier than usual, which meant a lot of people were not prepared to handle it.
Now that Fall is here, it’s time to make sure you’re prepared for the winter! Here are five things you should do to make sure your car is ready for winter:
- Prep Your Windshield
Check and, if necessary, replace your windshield wipers. Fill your wiper fluid reservoir using a de-icer fluid. Make sure you have a window scraper (or two) stored in your car. - Check Your Tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated—low temperatures may cause the air pressure in your tires to drop, so check, and add air, regularly.If your tires are worn and balding, now’s the time to get new tires. When the roads are covered with snow and ice, traction is a necessity. If you’re in an area with especially harsh winters, you should consider getting a set of snow tires. - Get Under the Hood
Refill your antifreeze so that your radiator is protected from freezing. Check your oil—and read the owner’s manual to see if your car requires a thinner oil in the winter. It’s also a good idea to have your battery tested by a certified automotive repair facility. - Compile an Emergency Kit
While you can buy a preassembled roadside emergency kit, you can also easily put one together with things you probably already have at home. This includes things like: a flashlight, a first-aid kit, jumper cables,a blanket, a hat and gloves, sand or salt to create traction, a tool kit, and tire chains. - Make Sure Everything Works
Test your windshield defroster and heater to ensure they’re both working properly. If you have four-wheel-drive, make sure it is activated and functioning properly.
We hope everyone has a safe (and dare we say mild?) winter! If you have other winter prep tips to share, post them on our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/webuyanycarUSA.
