Driving during the cold winter months can be dangerous, especially if you’ll be in areas that experience freezing temperatures and get snow. If you plan on driving in extreme conditions, you should be prepared ahead of time. Here are our tips for preparing your car, SUV, van or truck for subzero temperatures.
1. Switch to Winter Wiper Blades
During harsh conditions, your visibility can be reduced to almost nothing.
One of the best ways to handle this is to switch out your normal wiper
blades for winter blades. Such blades are specifically designed to withstand
harsh weather, and help you see better when your windshield is covered
in ice or snow.
2. Check Your Battery
If you have an old battery, cold weather can do a number on it (hot weather
can too). Our advice is to check out your battery, ideally before the
cold weather strikes. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for
replacing the battery (typically every three years) and look for any signs
of corrosion. The last thing you want is your battery dying while you’re
up in the snowy mountains.
3. Consider Winter Tires
If you’ll be spending the winter in a warmer area that does not
have snow or ice, then you can keep your all-season tires. However, if
you’ll be spending the winter in a climate with snow and ice, you
should consider investing in winter tires. Winter tires are manufactured
with enhanced traction for better gripping on icy roads.
4. Keep Tabs on Tire Pressure
When the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure. In order to maintain
proper traction, it’s important that your tires are properly inflated.
Otherwise, they won’t grip the road as well as they should. Check
your tire pressure periodically to ensure it corresponds with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
5. Lubricate Locks & Door Hinges
Did you know that your car’s locks can freeze up in the extreme
cold? In order to prevent this from happening, you can use a lubricant
spray or grease agent to keep things moving until the spring. Spray the
lubricant into the lock cylinders, and spray some in the door hinges as well.
6. Keep Your Fluids Filled
Keep the windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze, and oil filled. For the
windshield washer fluid and oil, use formulations made specifically for
cold weather. As far as the anti-freeze, avoid mixing colors and flush
it if it’s been a long time since it was changed.
At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we hope you have a safe and happy winter. If you’re looking for a Columbia personal injury attorney, contact us today.