The winter time is approaching, if it is not there already, and now comes the preparation of having the weather come in and make things all chilly – if you pardon the pun. The house needs to be kept warm and insulated and the jackets and boots need to be brought out and prepared. Then, there is the car, which has its own needs for the winter. We have to prepare it in different ways to keep it safe at all times.  

The Basics

Have the winter tool ready in the trunk if something takes place on the daily cold day in sleet, snow, and ice. Getting stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot is always a possibility, especially at night. Have inside a flashlight, some road flares, a mini first-aid kit, an extra pair of gloves, and an ice scraper.

Coolant and Antifreeze

Antifreeze keeps the engine from freezing under those conditions, which makes it impossible to turn on the engine. Always check the engine coolant and antifreeze levels to see if it’s usable and safe. Get help from pros and or even go to an auto part store where the pros can help. You can drain the antifreeze for something stronger.

Tire Pressure and Tread

It is really important to have the right tires for the road to stay safe on those slushy, icy roads. Make sure the tires are in the best of shape by check out the tire pressure. In the cold, the pressure decreases, so make sure it stays above safe levels or else fill it at the gas station. The same goes for the tires’ treads to see if it can grab a hold of the ground as it drives through. It should be able to hold in snow as it drives so you’re not driving like an ice skate. For tires with no tread, have them replaced.

Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid

This is for the snowfall and slush that comes on during the drive. Regular fluid for the other seasons are useless in the winter because it freezes once released. Winter fluid does not freeze once released and stays loose for the wipers to get rid of the ice and snow off the windshield to keep things safe for drivers to see when driving through the hazards.

Winter-Grade Oil

As big as the antifreeze is the oil and how it handles in the cold time. Having a lower grade oil is better because it is thinner and comparable with any ice temperatures. For example, get a 5W-30 type oil when the oil change is needed. Seek help from the pros at mechanic shops to get the right oil installed.

Your car needs to stay warm, the windshields need to stay clear, and the engine needs to be safe from the hazards to keep the car running. The roads will be de-iced to make it safer to drive on, but it is up to the drivers to keep account of their car.