With November coming to an end, it is important that you set aside time to care for your car. Driving in the winter can be stressful, especially with low visibility, icy conditions, and snow storms. Here are some of our top tips for safer winter drives:
- Check your tire pressure. The air in your tires is likely to contract. To avoid driving with underinflated tires, top them off to meet manufacturer requirements.
- Inspect tire treads and make sure they have good traction. You can do this using the penny test method.
- Swap out your tires for winter tires. They tend to have deeper tread with a pattern that is fit for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
- Test your car battery. Vehicle batteries are likely to die out or drain in the winter. With colder temperatures, it makes it harder to start your car.
- Carry jumper cables with you.
- Replace your wiper blades. Make sure they are winterproof and able to clear off rain and snow.
- Top off on wiper fluid. The solution should have a low freezing point to avoid leaks.
- Check your cooling system and get a coolant flush if necessary.
- Get an oil change. Oil may move slower through the engine, which can cause increased friction and higher temperatures. If it has been a while since your last service, it would be best to have it done.
- Equip your vehicle with an ice scraper tool and snow brush. These are game-changers and can speed up getting your car warmed up in the mornings.
- Test your car lights, including the headlights, high beams, signal indicators, fog lights, hazards, and more. More importantly, make sure your headlights are brightly lit and aimed at a proper angle.
- Check your brake system. You’ll need healthy and effective brakes to allow for smooth stops on dry and wet grounds. Replace your brake pads, brake rotors, brake fluid, calipers, etc. if necessary.
- Wash your car thoroughly. With snow in the winter, you’re likely going to be driving over salted roads. When this clings to your vehicle for too long, it can damage your car’s paint, undercarriage, and more.
At the end of the day, you are your car’s best safety feature. It is your responsibility to ensure you and your loved ones are safely going from point a to point b. Let us keep you and your family safe this winter with quality maintenance and repairs. If you are due for seasonal maintenance, feel free to call or stop by Hometown Tire & Auto today!