How to Make Sure Your Car is Ready for Winter

Ice and snow on the roads can make driving in winter a dangerous proposition. These driving conditions can make driving hazardous if you are not fully prepared.

Getting your car serviced is the first step in any weather condition. Your car will be ready to face any challenges that winter has to throw at you if you get the basics right. Ensure that you get your battery, cooling system, brakes, hoses, spark plugs, belts, cables, and wires serviced before moving on to other essential things.

Turn to Winter Tyres

All-season tyres help you drive in all weather conditions. However, these tyres won't give you the performance you need in the winter season. For maximum performance, it is vital to use winter tyres in the winter season. The rubber on non-winter tyres tightens in the winter season, which leads to decreased on-road grip. Winter tyres are engineered to resist the hardening of the rubber and provide better traction on snow, dry pavement, snow, and even ice.

Check Tyre Pressure

A ten-degree change in the weather means the loss or gain of 1 PSI. It would help to check your tyre pressure to keep it at the recommended levels and ensure maximum performance. It is also safe to keep your tyre pressure at the recommended levels. You can find your car's recommended tyre pressure in your owner's manual. 

Use Winter Wipers

Winter wipers contain rubber that stops ice from collecting on your blades. Ensure to remove it once the wiper moves around. Winter wipers are heavier than the normal ones, and using them most of the time increases the wiper motor's load. 

Fill Your Washer Fluid 

It would help if you replaced your windshield wiper fluid regularly. It can easily get exhausted quickly, so you should refill it with the appropriate fluid for winter conditions. You can add some antifreeze if you are unsure whether your washer fluid is correct or not.

Fill Up Your Gas 

It is important to keep your car fueled up in the winter more than in the summer. It is because it helps reduce condensation, stopping the gas lines from freezing up.

Ensure Your Rear-Window Defroster Works

You should always be able to see behind your car. Otherwise, it could become unsafe. Your windows must not have debris or condensation, and you should ensure that your rear window defroster works in the cold weather to be safer.

Learn Winter Driving 

You should know how to drive in snow or ice before driving on it. You should know things like: 

• How fast can you drive?

• What to do when you start to slide 

• How to drive downhill or uphill

• How much distance should you keep between two vehicles?

Be Prepared for the Winter

You should be prepared for any emergency that may arise. These few tips will help you do just that: 

• Never leave your car stranded. 

• Turn on your lights to attract attention. 

• Turn on your car for a short period and not for a long time because it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

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