As winter approaches, there are plenty of things to check in terms of making sure that your vehicle is safe and ready for winter driving. Check out the blog on Cars.com for lots of suggestions for keeping your car in tip-top shape all year long. Special preparations should be made as winter approaches, especially if you live in a location that experiences cold, snowy and icy weather.
The first thing you should do is check the condition of your windshield wiper blades. You’ll need them desperately for rainy winter days or driving during snow storms. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed them out, or if you’ve never changed them, you should consider doing so. Windshield wiper blades are pretty inexpensive costing about $10-$20 per blade. They’re only designed to have a lifespan of a couple of years. When yours start to go bad, you know it, and if that’s the case with your current wipers, change them out well before the mercury drops.
You should also be sure that the windshield cleaning fluid that is in your car is rated for freezing temperatures. If it isn’t, you’ll have a frozen nightmare spread across your windshield if you try using it in brutal temps while driving. In regions of the country prone to freezing temperatures, correctly rated fluid is typically the product sold in stores. You should just double-check that this product is what your car has if you recently moved from a warm climate to a cold one, or purchased a car that came from somewhere sunny. If you’re not sure, empty out the fluid reservoir and replace it with the appropriate fluid.
It’s also important to check the windshield itself. Cold weather can make the windshield susceptible to cracks and breaks, and may also reduce visibility due to condensation. If you notice any cracks or chips, it’s imperative that you get them fixed or get a windshield replacement at the earliest as this may pose a safety risk to you as well as other people on the road. If the place you are located faces very cold winters, you should make sure that your windshield is fit with adhesives that can withstand cold temperatures. Also avoid having your windshield come in contact with any hot substances, as this may cause it to crack.
Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. You’ll find recommended tire pressure in both your owner’s manual and on the inside of your driver’s side door in an informational panel there. Using a tire pressure gauge, make sure all of your tires are at the correct pressure for optimal performance. Air contracts when temperatures drop, so you’ll also want to keep an eye on your tire pressure throughout the winter months and add air accordingly. If your tires are the incorrect pressure, they’re more liable to pop or shred, and they’ll be less able to grip the road in wet or icy conditions. This can send you veering off into the verge or even into other cars. Icy conditions make it more likely for cars to crash into you from behind, so if this happens, it’s best to contact a Cincinnati automobile accident law firm or similar firm in your area to see what you may be entitled to in the way of compensation.
Finally, have your brakes inspected by a certified mechanic. If you need to identify one in your community, check out the service center locator tool on Cars.com. Also be sure to check the tread on your tires to ensure there is enough to get you through the winter. Tires and brakes are the two parts of your vehicle that deserve your utmost attention as winter approaches as they are the car parts that play the biggest role in keeping you safe on icy roads.
