How to prepare your car for winter weather
Just as you dress yourself for the elements and prepare your home for winter, your car needs to be prepped for winter weather as well! Winter weather can be pretty straining on home and cars, and not taking the proper precautions can be dangerous.
Before you get on the road, check or have a mechanic check your car to insure it is in the proper condition to survive (and be a safe mode of transportation) in the winter.
Here are some car maintenance questions to ask:
- Does your car have sufficient anti-freeze levels to avoid freezing?
- How is your car battery?
- Is there any wear and tear on your brakes? What are the fluid levels?
- Are there any leaks or crimped pipes in the exhaust system? (This question is especially important as carbon monoxide, a product of car exhaust, is deadly and typically undetectable)
- Are the heater and defroster working properly?
- Are all your hazards lights, tail lights and headlights functioning?
- What is your oil level? Do you need to get it changed?
- Are the windshield wipers working properly? Do you have enough washer fluid?
- Are your tires in good shape with adequate tread?
In addition to making sure your vehicle is prepared for bad weather, take some time and make sure you have all the essentials in case of an accident or emergency.
Here are the items your emergency kit should include:
- shovel
- windshield scraper
- flashlight
- battery powered radio
- water
- healthy snack food
- matches
- extra hat and socks
- first aid kit with pocket knife
- blanket
- tow chain or rope
- booster cables
- emergency flares
- fluorescent distress flag
Prepare yourself, your car and your home for what mother nature has in store this winter. Going the extra mile to prepare your car and yourself for emergencies could be the difference between life and death.
