It is that time of year that you can feel it in the air, the temperature is getting cooler. It is time to
get our vehicle ready for winter.In many parts of the country winter is brutual, temperatures go down
to sub sero temperatures. Freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice make it harzardous and difficult
to drive on the road.

Here is a simple checklist of things to get your vehicle ready for winter driving:

Battery

Check your battery cold temperatures can kill your battery. Make sure to check the battery voltage to
ensure it has enough power for cold starts and recharges. It may have to be replaced. Take your
battery to a care repair shop and have them check the battery out. We never think about it, but
the battery needs to be cleaned, removing any corrosion from the battery terminals and and
having the alternator checked to make use it is operating properly. And while you are at it,
have the belts looked at to make sure they are in good shape.

Antifreeze

When it is hot we always check the antifreeze but forget about it in the winter. Antifreeze during
the winter will provide subzero protection. When your vehicle engine is cool take off the radiator
cap and look at the antifreeze level. If it is low go to an auto parts store right then and buy
antifreeze. There is antifreeze that is already mixed with the right amount of water that you just
pour into your radiator.

When winter comes to need 100% visibility to be able to see where you are driving. So the wipers
may have to be replaced. If you hear your wipers making a scraping sound that could indicated
that your wipers need to be replaced. Wipers at a local auto parts store don’t cost a lot but
can prove invaluable during the winter time when you are driving in rain, sleet and snow. Also,
make you look at your windshield washer reservoir. If the level is too low you can buy it at
the same time you are buying the replacement windshield wiper blades.

Brakes

It is so important that your brakes stop your vehicle properly in normal driving conditions but
especially in the winter time. Pay attention to your brakes when you step on the brakes is
you vehilce stopping properly, do you hear a screeching sound, when you stop does your
vehicle pull in a particular direction. Any vehicle repair shop around the country will
look at your brakes for free and will tell you after a simple inspection whether the
brake fluid and brake line, brake pads or rotors are in good shape or need to be replaced.
You don’t want to risk driving during the winter time unable to stop your vehicle.

Gas Level

Now days with gas prices going up and down and changing over night it is hard to always
have a half a tank of gas. Best practice is when your gasoline gauge shows 1/4 of a
tank top off your tank. That way your always have a full tank of gas just in case and
it doesn’t cost so much.

Tires

We usually check our tires when we are preparing for a summer road trip however, our
tires need to be checked again before the winter driving season. Taking your vehicle
to an auto repair or tire repair store is free and after a simple inspection the
tech can tell you if your tires have damage, simple or extensive wear and tear,
are properly inflate and if all 4 of your tires are in good shape or a tire(s)
may have to be replaced. During winter driving it is not just the brakes but
also your tires that helo your vehicle stop. Also, while you are at the
car repair or tire shop have the tech look at your spare tire’s condition
and make sure it is inflated properly.