Wouldn’t it be great if summer could last forever? The sunshine, the long daylight hours, the backyard barbecues and trips to the beach? Most people would love to enjoy those summer traditions all year long; however, unless you live in a hot climate, that’s not going to happen. Winter comes whether we like it or not. You might not be able to change it or control it, but you can certainly plan for it. One of the most important steps in getting through those chilly months is to prepare your vehicle for winter. An unprepared vehicle can cause all kinds of trouble and make the season feel more unpleasant than it needs to be.
Change Your Tires
There are a couple of important things to do to prepare your vehicle for winter. The most obvious is changing your tires. In colder climates and especially in areas where the roads tend to get icy or slushy, it’s important to outfit your car with winter tires. Winter tires have better treads that offer heightened traction and grip on slippery roads. Winter tires are also composed of rubber that performs better in cold temperatures. A standard tire will stiffen up, making it difficult to steer and control the vehicle. Winter tires remain flexible in cold temperatures, allowing them to grip the road, providing greater control.
Some people make the mistake of thinking their all-season tires will suffice in winter. All-season tires are not made to withstand very cold winters. They’re fine in warmer climates, but in chillier areas, only a true winter tire or an all-weather tire will suffice.
Keep It Warm
If you park outdoors, you will want to make sure you’re able to plug your car in. Make sure your car is outfitted with a block heater and purchase an extension cord to plug it in. Make sure the extension cord is outdoor quality and an appropriate length to make plugging in as easy as possible.
You will also want to take a look at your wiper fluid and make sure it’s appropriate for the temperature. Some wiper fluids are not designed for cold temperatures and may freeze and crack your reservoir, causing a whole host of problems. Check the bottle to ensure the fluid is functional down to as low a temperature as possible. Your safest bet is to purchase wiper fluid that can withstand down to forty below to be on the safe side.
Prepare for Emergency
Finally, remember to stock your trunk with some essentials in case your vehicle breaks down. Keep warm clothing, extra blankets and booster cables in your trunk in case of an emergency.
Driving in cold weather isn’t always fun, but if you take the time to properly prepare your car for winter, it will be much easier on you. For more advice on how to get your car winter ready or to review your auto insurance policy, feel free to get in touch with us here at Sadler Insurance. We’re happy to help you stay safe on the roads.
