So colder weather has arrived in the region a little early this year. But I’ll bet that many of us haven’t thought about getting our vehicles ready for the cold and possibly snow just yet. The best time for car owners to begin preparing vehicles for cold weather is in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Whether you’re on the highway or warming up the car in the driveway, the winter season can cause trouble in a variety of ways. It’s important to check your tire pressure once a month, especially during the winter, since a tire’s pressure can drop as the air becomes colder. Having jumper cables handy is also important, not only if your car breaks down, but also in case you come across another motorist in need of a jumpstart. Have your battery tested. Battery capacity decreases significantly in cold weather, so it’s important to have it checked to ensure it’s at peak performance.
Replace wiper blades to ensure they can handle the various elements and keep the windshield clear. In addition, it’s important to use a washer fluid that’s rated for subfreezing temperatures. Probably the most important thing to do is to have your antifreeze in your radiator checked. Freezing conditions can do serious damage to your engine and coolant system without the proper antifreeze protection. Aside from your vehicle, don’t forget to disconnect any garden hoses from outside faucets to prevent pipes freezing. Of course there are several other things you should do to prepare that we go through every year. Check on outside animals, check on the elderly, check your heating system, and all the other typical cold weather preparedness tips. Following these tips will help you to be warm and safe when the snows start flying.
