Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Cold temperatures, snow and icy roads can be hard on your vehicle. A little preparation before winter arrives can help you avoid unexpected problems and feel more confident on the road.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to get your car ready. Many winter checks are quick and simple, and a qualified technician can help with the rest.

Here are nine tips to help you prepare your car for winter driving.

1. Test Your Battery

Cold weather can make it harder for a battery to start your engine. A battery that works fine in summer may struggle on a freezing morning.

Watch for signs like slow cranking, dim lights or trouble starting. Many service centers and auto parts stores can test your battery for you.

If your battery is several years old, consider having it checked before temperatures drop.

2. Check Your Tires and Tread

Good traction is especially important on wet, snowy or icy roads. Check your tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracks or bulges.

Tire pressure can drop as temperatures fall, so check it more often in winter. Use the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Depending on where you live, you may want to consider winter or all-weather tires. A tire professional can help you decide what fits your driving needs.

3. Replace Wiper Blades and Fill Washer Fluid

Winter weather can quickly cover your windshield with snow, slush and road salt. Worn wiper blades may streak or skip, making it harder to see.

Replace blades that aren’t clearing your windshield well, and fill your reservoir with a washer fluid made for freezing temperatures.

Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your car so you can clear every window before driving.

4. Check All Your Lights

Winter days are shorter, and you may drive in the dark more often. Walk around your car to check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals and taillights.

Clean any lenses that look cloudy or dirty, and replace burned-out bulbs. Clearing snow from your lights before driving also helps other drivers see you.

5. Check Your Coolant

Coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, helps protect your engine from freezing and overheating.

Check the level in the reservoir when the engine is cool, and follow the guidance in your owner’s manual. Never open a hot radiator or pressurized cooling system.

If you’re not sure your coolant is right for cold weather, ask a qualified technician to check it.

6. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

Even short trips can become longer than expected in winter weather. Keeping a few supplies in your car can make a difference.

Consider packing:

• A warm blanket, gloves and a hat
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• An ice scraper and small shovel
• Water and snacks
• A phone charger
• Sand or cat litter for traction

7. Make Sure Your Heater and Defroster Work

A working heater keeps you comfortable, and a working defroster keeps your windows clear.

Test both before the cold arrives. If your windows fog up slowly or the air doesn’t get warm, have the system checked.

8. Drive Slower and Leave Extra Space

Snow and ice can make it take longer to stop. Drive slower than usual, brake gently and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead.

Avoid sudden turns and quick acceleration. Bridges and shaded areas may freeze first, so take extra care there.

If conditions are poor, it may be best to wait until roads improve.

9. Keep Your Gas Tank Fuller

Keeping your tank at least half full in winter can help if you get stuck or delayed in traffic. It also means you won’t have to stop for fuel in bad weather as often.

Stay Safe This Winter

A few simple checks can help your car handle cold weather and help you feel more prepared on winter roads.

At Mallon Ford in Lakewood, WA, we know how important a dependable vehicle is during the winter months. If you’re thinking about a vehicle that better fits your winter driving, we’re happy to help.

Call us at 555-555-0126 or browse our vehicles online.

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