Winter is on its way. Whether you can’t wait for the falling snowflakes, warm mugs of hot chocolate, and snowman-building, or you dread the winter months, preparing for winter driving is one of the best ways to make the winter months more enjoyable – and avoid unfortunate surprises.
With a few important tasks checked off your list, you can feel better about cruising around on the snowy roads with less worry.
Preparing for Winter Driving – 4 Ways to Get Your Vehicle Ready
1. Have your tires inspected
It’s very important to make sure that your tires have an adequate amount of pressure as well as enough tread on them.
If you’re not sure whether your tires have adequate tread, you can either take them to a shop or use the “Penny Test” to find out. Just insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can still see his head, it’s time to get new tires. Try this test in a few different places around your tire.
On Michigan roads and in other northern climates, we suggest switching to winter tires during the snowy months. Winter tires are designed to grip on snowy and icy roads. Their rubber is also made of a different compound that allows it to maintain traction in dangerous conditions. If you do change to winter tires, though, just don’t forget to change them back to all-season tires in the spring. The hot roads of the summer can damage the rubber and wear your winter tires out more quickly.
2. Check your battery
Car batteries have increased strain on them during the winter months. Even if your battery seems fine during the summer, it’s a good idea to have it checked before the cold comes. Ending up on the side of the road in frigid weather with a dead battery is no fun!
Keep in mind that car batteries usually last for about 3-5 years, so if you haven’t had your battery checked or changed in the last couple of years, it’s definitely time to look into it.
It’s easy to take your vehicle to a shop and have the battery tested. This will allow you to know how well your battery conducts electricity and give you a clear picture of its health.
3. Check your fluids
Get a jump start on winter by making sure your car is up to date on oil changes. You’ll also want to check other fluid levels including the antifreeze and wiper blade fluid. (While you’re at it, make sure your wiper blades are functioning properly, too!)
4. Prepare an emergency kit
No matter how well-prepared you feel your car may be, it’s never a bad idea to have some emergency supplies in your vehicle just in case.
A few important items to keep in your car during the cold months include:
- Jumper cables
- Blankets and warm clothing (don’t forget gloves!)
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Ice scraper and shovel
- Jumper cables
- Road salt or cat litter for traction
- First aid kit and portable phone charger
Read more about making an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle.
Still Not Sure You’re Prepared for Winter Driving?
At Tillama Auto in Byron Center, MI, we do a lot more than sell used vehicles. Our customers are like family. We take seriously the privilege of helping keep you and your vehicle safe on the roads.
Our service center and trustworthy mechanics are always ready to help make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. At our regular oil changes, we check everything from suspension, brakes, tires, and other parts of the drivetrain to checking and topping of essential fluids – including windshield washer fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid.
Whether you just need an oil change or have larger repairs, our service center is here to help.
Call us today at 616-878-5991. Here’s to keeping you safe on the Michigan winter roads!
