The winter months can bring many weather-related challenges for motorists, including frigid temperatures, slick roads and poor visibility. All of these conditions can have a significant impact on how cars, trucks and other automobiles must be prepared and maintained before getting behind the wheel.
Protect yourself and your family, and help make the road a safer place for everyone, by taking the following steps:
- Check key systems. Make sure your battery is healthy, as the extreme temperatures of winter could drain it quickly and leave you stranded. Additionally, check your antifreeze levels against what’s recommended in your vehicle manual. Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables should also be examined regularly. This may also be a good time to assess and replace your windshield wiper blades.
- Think about your tires. Consider installing winter tires if you’ll be driving in icy and snowy conditions. Additionally, keeping tire chains in your vehicle can help you avoid becoming stranded. Check your tire pressure frequently, as cold temperatures can cause deflation, which could reduce your traction on slippery roads.
- Prepare for emergencies. Even if you’ve conducted the necessary maintenance on your vehicle, you might end up in a difficult situation. Packing an emergency kit that you keep in your vehicle is advisable year-round, but may be particularly important during the winter. These supplies should include drinking water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, road flares, extra clothes, flashlights and batteries.
Contact us today for more seasonal vehicle safety guidance.