Cars are more prone to malfunctions during extreme weather conditions. Therefore, getting a basic check-up done to ensure that all the core parts are functioning normally can help avert potential mishaps later. Take a look at the below discussed top winter car care tips that you need to take to get your car ready this winter season.
1. Battery Health
Generally, car batteries tend to die in winter, that is due to the added strain that is placed on them by cold weather conditions. Therefore,it is recommended to get your car’s battery tested beforehand and ensure that there is no corrosion on the terminals.
2. Tire Pressure
Tire pressure can be an issue during the winter due to the cold temperatures as the tires tend to deflate at lower temperatures. You should get the tire pressure checked on a weekly basis, as lower tire pressure tends to decrease the gas mileage and also leads to wear and tear of the tires. Also, the reason behind this is that improper tire pressure reduces control of the car in all conditions, therefore proper inflation is especially important in bad conditions.
3. Change wiper blades to winter blades
Change the wiper blades of your vehicle to winter blades as these are heavier and push snow and ice more easily.
4. Get your car winter-ready with a maintenance check-up
All of us know that preventative maintenance is key. So,it is important to ensure that your battery, brakes, lights and fuses, cooling and heating systems, electrical and exhaust systems, and belts and hoses are in exact shape at all times.
5. Create a winter emergency kit
In addition to the emergency road kit that is already present in your car, make sure that you have a special winter emergency kit or add items that can be helpful in cold or snowy weather. Some of the items that you must have in your kit are:
- Non-perishable food items,
- Blankets and first aid supplies
- Windshield scraper and snow brush
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Spare tire, wheel wrench, and jack
- Shovel and traction mat, sand, or kitty litter
- Fuel line antifreeze
- Flares and matches or lighter
- Tire chains and gloves
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery jumper cables
- Extra clothing and footwear
- Sandbags for extra weight
6. Check for windshield washer reservoir
Make sure that your windshield washer reservoir is full, and also make it a point to carry extra washer fluid in your vehicle.
Generally the winter weather tends to present several types of driving hazards, and this can also have severe affect on your vehicle. But with some preparation and preventive maintenance measures, your vehicle can be ready to handle the colder months.
