Every year, there are more than 156,000 cases of vehicle crashes caused by icy roads. Aside from the extremely difficult driving conditions, below-zero temperatures and the other cold elements can also cause damage to your car’s systems and lead to breakdowns that can be expensive to repair.

Before the temperature completely drops, give your car some much-needed care and prepare for the winter season with these ten tips.

 

1. Check the battery

The cold temperature makes your car consume more battery energy especially when you use the defroster and heater all the time. Below-zero conditions can easily cut in half the energy of a battery which can cause difficulties while you’re driving.

Perform a battery load test to assess the condition. His will show you how much internal resistance, voltage, and conductance you’re battery still has. Your car battery’s condition will tell you if you need to replace it.

2. Examine your tires

If you have worn out tire treads, this will lead to a less stable car. The worn treads lead to a longer stopping distance when you’re on icy roads which increases the chances of an accident. Worn tire treads should be replaced since these do not have a good grip anymore.

Aside from tire treads, you also need to check the tire pressure. It’s a good idea to keep a pressure gauge at hand. Your car can skid on icy surfaces if you have underinflated tires. In addition to a pressure gauge, you can also keep a portable air compressor so you can pump your tires if an emergency arises.

Snow tires are a decent investment for people who live in cities that have a lot of snow. These types of tires will give your car better traction on slippery roads.

3. Test your wipers

During winter, it’s important to keep your windshield wiper blades in good condition. Road visibility will depend on the condition of your wipers so you can neglect these when you do a car check. Test the windshield wipers and determine if they’re still good or already worn out. Old wiper blades can split and dry out which leaves you with blades that won’t properly clean your windshield. A brittle windshield wiper can also leave streaks which makes it difficult to see the roads.

There are windshield wiper blades made for winter which have an additional rubber cover to keep snow or sleet from accumulating. You can switch out your winter blades once the cold season is over but we highly recommend getting them before the start of winter.

4. Check car fluids

Once you find your windshield blades can survive winter, the next thing to check is the windshield washer fluid tank. When you go through a snowstorm, you consume a significant amount of fluid. Make sure the liquid can also survive sub-zero temperatures. You can get antifreeze for washer fluid in auto shops to prevent the liquid from turning solid.

Take a spare gallon of windshield fluid in case you run out of it in the middle of the road.

Aside from washer fluid, you also need to check brake fluid, motor oil, radiator coolant, and oil change. Ensure that you have the right kinds of fluid in the correct ratio to avoid problems on the road.

5. Protect the vehicle’s exterior

Keeping your car in top shape for winter means you also need to clean it. Road salt for melting ice and snow can affect your vehicle’s exterior which buildup and cause rusting. Clean the wheels regularly to get rid of road salt before it starts to damage the metal parts of the car.

A good wash is important whether you do it by yourself or pay for a car wash. Eliminating dirt from your car helps you start to winter in a good condition. To top off everything, apply a coat of wax to protect the paint.

6. Test your brakes

Ice, snow, rain, and slush during this season mean you need your car to stop as quickly as possible. Check your brakes and replace worn-out rotors or brake pads. Chirping or grinding noises should tell you to get your car checked by a mechanic not only during winter. Ensuring your brakes function well is a big step to preventing car accidents.

7. Check belts and other car parts

Check your wires and belts for any cracks, hoses for possible leaks, and your cables if they need lubrication. The dry air and cold weather can dry out these car parts and cause them to become brittle, cracked, or blocked. Take your car for a routine checkup so you don’t get any trouble when you go out during winter.

Change the cabin air filter regularly. A dirty filter means the car’s HVAC will not function properly and lead to trouble defogging your windows. You also have to deal with allergens, contaminants, and musty odor when you drive with a dirty filter.

8. Restore headlights and taillights

You also need to keep your headlights and taillights in good condition. It’s difficult to drive on a dark road where you can’t see or can’t be seen. During winter, it gets dark earlier and whiteout conditions during heavy snowfall require you to make sure all your lights are working.

If your headlight is burned out, replace it as soon as possible. When you see a crack on your headlight casings, fix them immediately to avoid ice or snow from seeping into the electrical components.

Cloudy and hazy lights pose risks to you and other drivers on the road. Use a glass cleaner to brighten up foggy headlights. If this is not enough, you can use a headlight restoration kit to ensure your lights remain bright.

9. Protect all glass surfaces

Windshields and windows can be protected from ice by mixing three parts vinegar to one part water. The vinegar makes it easier to remove ice and frost and also prevents them from building up. All your other preparations for winter driving will be for naught if you can’t even see 10 ft ahead.

10. Have an emergency winter kit

It doesn’t hurt to be more prepared that’s why you should keep a set of emergency supplies for your car. Include these items in your car emergency kit:

• First aid kit

• Triangle reflector

• Road flares

• Flashlight

• Tool kit

• Traction pads

• Tire inflator and patch kit

• Tire pressure gauge

• Jumper cables

• Ice scraper and brush

• Cell phone charger

• Blankets

• Gloves

• Snack and water

Replace any item that you use from your kit. Fill up the gas tank to avoid a frozen gas line and prevent situations where you run out of fuel.

To keep yourself safe during winter, you need to spend some time preparing and planning for the cold season. While you’re taking these measures to prevent accidents, you might also want to take a look at extended car warranty plans to help cover the cost of repairs.