Now that temperatures have dropped, it’s time to ;winterize your car ;for safer and more comfortable drives. Follow these tips by ;Dwight Smith in Ann Arbor, MI, ;to be prepared for winter in no time!
Prepare Your Windows
One of the first tips to ;winterize your car ;is to prepare your car’s windows. Windows are an essential part of being safe on the road as they provide the necessary visibility to avoid problems on the road and drive safely. The first thing you need is winter wipers which are much stronger than regular wipers that allow you to clean ice and snow from your windshield. Winter blades also have much better construction that protects hinges from ice and snow buildup.
Next is to have enough winter washer fluid that will help you defrost your windows. Winter washer fluid is formulated with antifreeze which helps in the process of defrosting. Check your washer fluid’s container to see up to what temperature it will work properly. Still, if there is heavy snowfall or very low temperatures, it’s always best to clear windows of snow and ice before leaving to ensure they won’t freeze over again.
Change Your Tires
Another essential step to ;winterize your car ;has the right tires for winter weather conditions. Winter tires are specially designed to help you navigate snowy and icy roads. These tires are made of thick natural rubber that handles cold weather better as they don’t harden when they reach freezing temperatures. Another advantage of using winter tires is that they have deeper treads which help your vehicle grip the road better when it’s wet or snowy, and prevents your vehicle from losing traction.
As always, it’s essential to keep an eye on your tires and ensure they don’t have foreign objects embedded in them, ensure they don’t have cracks or bulges, and that they are at the correct air pressure.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
The next tip for preparing your vehicle for winter is to pack a winter emergency kit. This kit should have everything from things to keep you warm to first aid supplies. It’s essential to pack your emergency kit and have it somewhere easy to reach in your car, as winter road conditions can change in a minute. Some of the things you should consider for your winter kit include:
- A set of warm and waterproof clothes, ;including a hat and gloves, as well as a waterproof coat.
- Blankets ;for you and your passengers in case temperatures drop as well as non-electric hand warmers.
- Light sources ;like LED flashlights with extra batteries, as well as a spare battery for your phone. It’s also a good idea to pack candles as they’re not only a good non-electric source of light, but they can help keep you warm.
- Tools for minor repairs ;like a tire jack and lug in case of a flat tire.
- Salt, sand, or cat litter, ;as well as a shovel in case you’re stuck in the snow.
- A whistle, warning lights, and flares ;to mark your location and call for help.
- Your ;first aid kit ;should include any medication you need daily, as well as supplies like antiseptic spray, alcohol wipes, and bandages to tend to cuts and scrapes.
It may seem like we’re listing a lot of supplies, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for different scenarios in case of an emergency.
Keeping your car in good condition is the best way to ensure you won’t be stranded in the middle of a winter storm this season. That’s why the oil experts at ;
AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith, recommend using products proven to work for your engine. For more information, call (702) 561-3706 or take a look at their ;
online store ;to familiarize yourself with their entire line of products.
Lastly, it’s essential to have a regular vehicle maintenance routine that will help you ensure your car is always ready to go. Four crucial steps in your maintenance routine are to: