Stay road ready even during icy, snowy weather.
Necati Bahadir Bermek/Getty Images
Slick winter weather can cause hazardous driving conditions and increase the chances of accidents.
There are also several other tasks you should complete before winter hits to confirm your car is ready.
Photo:Necati Bahadir Bermek/Getty Images
So it’s important to check tire depth and treads before temperatures drop.
Keep close watch over air pressure and wheel alignment, too.
“Bald tires will cause bad traction, and deflated or overinflated tires are more likely to tear.
Both are recipes for disaster.”
The rubber compounds in non-winter tires typically harden when temperatures are consistently around or below freezing.
Winter tires are engineered to resist hardening, thus providing better traction in icy or snowy pavement.
Inspect the brakes
Brakes are a key part of vehicle safety.
During the winter time more than ever, you need them to react quickly to sudden stops and starts.
“verify to get your brakes inspected around this time of year,” Mario says.
Also, check the belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and cables.
Replace bulbs or fuses if necessary.
Remember to replace the washer reservoir with winter-grade washer fluid that resists freezing.
“Exposing your vehicle to extreme temperatures can cause the crack to expand quickly.
Test car batteries
A dead battery can also be a nightmare in the wintertime.
“Cold weather can cause batteries to drain,” says Mario.
The risk of your car breaking down during winter increases if the battery already has problems.
A battery at or above 600 cold cranking amp (CCA) is ideal for optimal winter performance.
Ensuring your battery terminals are cleaned properly is another vital task in preparing your car for winter.
Reduce future corrosion by applying a battery terminal protectant spray.
You need an appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to guard against corrosion and potential freezing.
Consult a technician or mechanic to confirm your car’s specific needs ahead of winter.
Thus, a full tank will ensure you don’t run out before arriving at your destination.
A full tank also reduces condensation, preventing gas line freeze-ups.
you might lubricate window tracks to prevent freezing water from seeping in and creating drag.
Mario also suggests keeping food, water, and extra warm clothing in the car.
