How to Prepare Your Car For Winter

Winter is upon us, and in many parts of the world, the snow is already coming down. For those who haven’t had their first snowfall yet, it is coming. Winterizing your car is something that is important to do and needs to be done right away before you are caught in a snowdrift with no way out. Here are a few effective ways to prepare your car for winter.

Change the Tires

A lot of cars come with hybrid tires. In other words, these tires can be used in the winter or in the summer. Other cars, however, come with only one kind of tire. Before this winter gets underway, check your tires and change them as needed. When you have the proper tires on your car, you will be able to drive down a snowy street or highway and not get stuck in a few inches of snow. They will also have better traction to avoid skidding, slipping, or sliding. A local car accident attorney has said that a lot of winter accidents happen when drivers can’t control their cars from skidding on ice. 

Check the Climate Control

Is the heat working in your car? Check it. The temperatures may not have gotten that cold yet where you live, so you have had the heat on low. Do yourself a favor and turn the heat up. Make sure that your heating system is working in order to keep you warm in the car as the temperatures start to drop. Also check to make sure that your defrosting works because if you get some ice and fog on your window, you won’t be able to drive if you can’t melt it. 

Check the Antifreeze

Antifreeze prevents your car engine from freezing up in cold temperatures. Before the cold air takes over your area, check to make sure your antifreeze doesn’t need to be filled or changed. Taking this precaution is a good move because if you do not check on it, your engine will fail you at the wrong moment. You will be stuck in the cold with no heat, and that’s the last place you want to be in the winter. 

Check Your Battery

Cold weather can drain your battery. Your car is going to need to use more energy in the cold, so your battery may die on you. As the weather starts to change, check your battery to make sure it does not need to be replaced. A fully charged battery will get you through the winter months. Most batteries need to be changed after a certain number of years, so check to see if your battery is ready to be switched. 

Have the Proper Tools

Snow can fall at a moment’s notice, so have the necessary tools. Make sure you have an ice scraper and a shovel in your car. Also, having a tool to go under your tires to get you out of the snow is also helpful. Be prepared for all scenarios.