With temperatures taking a big dip across the country, it is the perfect time for you – diligent driver – to get your car ready for winter.
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From replacing tires to packing emergency items that could help you drive through wintry conditions, you are not only advise to be cautious but also ensure your car has everything it takes to remain functional.
Using statistics from 2007 to 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that more than 5.8 million of vehicle accidents take place in the country each year.
Approximately 21% of those crashes involved hazardous weather, which raises the question: Is your car ready for winter?
Here we group 3 simple steps to winterize your car.
Go through your owner’s manual
Prior to making any changes or stocking your car with emergency items, you need to arrange a proper inspection to determine what is missing and what could be upgraded.
You could start by scheduling an oil change, checking fluid levels, replacing dirty filters, and so on.
Once you complete your initial inspection, you will be one step ahead of the game, enhancing vehicle safety and performance for the new season.
Replace your tires according to the season
Keeping your car in good shape, mostly during adverse weather conditions, can be tough which is the reason why experts recommend drivers to stick to snow tires when driving on icy and slippery roads.
Having the right type of tires keeps you safe and represent a great value for your money, considering that your safety is priceless.
If snow tires are way too expensive for your budget, you can still work on your safety by ensuring your tires are properly inflated before hitting the road.
Pack your emergency items
As you winterize your car with snow tires and regular maintenance inspections, make sure you have an emergency kit to avoid feeling helpless in the event of a breakdown during frigid temperatures.
Anything could happen but as long as you have the right items to survive and solve the problem, you’ll be fine.
Create a checklist by including the following emergency items:
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Back-up battery
- Tools for replacing a tire
- Flares
- Non-perishable food items to keep you energized
- Cat litter to avoid getting stuck in snowdrifts
Of course these are just basic items that you should keep in mind whenever you need to get your car ready for winter.
Feel free to add more items in your checklist provided that you are dubious about driving in adverse weather conditions.
A diligent driver makes sure things are planned in advance to avoid unwelcome incidents that could ruin the spirit of the new season.
SEE ALSO: Now You Can Fix Your Car Regardless Of Your Abilities
