As we transition into the winter season, we’ll expect to see colder weather and heavier precipitation, which can lead to poor road conditions and more accidents. With all of these changes coming our way, it’s important to make sure that your car is functioning properly and is ready to adapt to the new weather and environmental conditions. A quick check up can help expose and patch up any car problems endured from the fall months and prepare you for the upcoming season. Check out these 5 car care tips for the winter!
Breaks & Tires – Tire pressure usually drops with the temperature, so it’s wise to keep an eye on your levels during this time. Make sure that your tire tread is in top shape as well, so that you’re able to navigate on wet and icy streets safely. Also, inspect your breaks and replenish break fluid before winter hits, so that your car can quickly stop in these dangerous conditions.
Defroster/Climate Control – Foggy and frosty windows are a common occurrence during the winter, which can lead to frustrating delays. Get a head start on this by taking your car in as soon as possible to make sure your defroster and heating systems are all ready to go. There’s nothing worse than a freezing commute!
Battery – Colder weather can take a toll on your car battery, so it’s vital that you make sure it’s in prime condition to withstand the dropping temperatures. Keep the battery clean and make sure that there aren’t any signs of corrosion. Failing batteries usually don’t breed many warning signs, so have a professional technician take a look under the hood to see if your battery needs to be replaced before winter arrives.
Lights – We’re a few weeks into the end of daylight savings and still adjusting to driving with fewer hours of sunlight. Unfortunately, driving during this time change is only going to get more difficult with the impending poor weather conditions. It’s vital that you make sure your headlights have fresh bulbs that are all functioning properly. It will ensure a safer and easier drive during a stormy night.
Emergency Kit – This is the one season where an emergency kit is an almost absolute necessity. Due to the harsh conditions, your car could break down at any place and at any time. If you happen to break down in the middle of nowhere, you’ll need to have supplies to withstand the night. An emergency kit during the winter should include: a flashlight, blankets, snacks, water, flares, ice scraper and a shovel.
With the change of seasons, it’s also a great time to make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.
We hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!
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