Two weeks ago Minnesotans were taking their boats out for one last ride on the lake, and today we’re buried beneath a few inches of snow. Hopefully you took time during the warm days to prep your car for winter driving, but if you didn’t here are five steps you’ll want to take now that the weather has turned cold.
1. Antifreeze and Other Fluids – Antifreeze keeps your car’s fluids from freezing up, so make sure it’s at an appropriate level. Also, give your transmission and brake fluids a second look to ensure they aren’t running low or are past their prime.
2. Tire Care – If you use winter tires, now is the time swap out your seasonal tires. If you use all-season tires, make sure the tread is still at an appropriate level. Use this blog post to determine if your tires still have a safe level of tread.
3. Winter Car Kit – Most people leave their scrapers and jumper cables in their car throughout the year, but if you take them out for extra storage space in the summer, now is the time to throw them back in your vehicle. Also, other things you’ll want to keep in your car in the event of an emergency include: roadside flashers, a flashlight, a first aid kit and any tools needed to fix a flat tire.
4. Battery Prep – Last year was one of the coldest winters in Minnesota history, and there’s little reason to think we’re in store for a warmer winter season this year. Your battery has a shelf life of 3 to 5 years, but the cold weather can shorten its lifespan. If you notice your engine is having a tough time turning over, swing on in for a battery check to determine if it needs to be replaced.
5. Mentally Prepare – Sometimes the biggest hazard to a car is the driver. As you ease into your winter driving routine, give yourself extra time to get places and take things slow. You won’t be able to stop as quickly on icy roads, so drive smart and stayed focused when driving in adverse conditions.
In the event that you end up in a winter fender bender or you want some work done before more snow falls, give Affordable Auto a call today!