Preparing Your Vehicle For Winter

With the season changing and the weather getting colder, it is rather important to make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the extreme weather that lays ahead. Taking the time to check your vehicle and be sure it is ready for the harsh winter months will save you the headache and trouble of a mechanical failure and give you an ease of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe and able to handle the road. Here are few tips and guidelines to ensure that your car is the best in can be in these times.

Get the proper windshield fluid

It is easy to forget how cold in can be in these winter months and how certain fluids in your vehicle will react to that. Traditional windshield fluid has the potential to freeze during extreme cold temperatures when coming in contact with your windshield and can be rather dangerous limiting the visibility for the driver. Be sure to get “Winter” specific fluid from your auto shop. This is specially formulated to not freeze and can actually help melt and loosen ice and snow from your windshield.

Check the tire pressure and tread depth on your tires

Making sure that your tires are in good condition and the proper type is extremely important when driving on icy and snowy roads. Without the right pressure and grip you are very likely to slip and drift, making the vehicle hard to maneuver in the snow. Checking your tire pressure on all four tires and having them match the required air level as written on the tires is a great way to be sure that your tires have the proper air level inside of them. Most gas stations offer free air and have a gauge that you can check your tire pressure and match them to your tires requirements.

Having a Winter “Prep Box”

You never know when things can go wrong and having a few things on hand in the event of an emergency can really help when you are in need. Having a storage box in the trunk or glove box with a few items such as a flashlight, road flares, a first-aid kit, a few blankets to keep warm, a change or clothes, an emergency radio, a small scraper to move snow and ice out of the vehicle and some small snacks to keep you nourished while help arrives. It is amazing how much these little things can help in the case of an emergency, always be prepared for the worst.

Checking your engine coolant and antifreeze levels

Be sure to check your owners manual for you vehicle on how to properly check your levels of anti-freeze and coolant. Without the proper level of antifreeze you run the risk of your vehicle’s fluids freezing and your engine not being able to run or start. Grab an extra container of antifreeze and keep it in your vehicle and add more if it is needed. Antifreeze can be easily added through the engine bay.

By following these simple tips and guidelines you can be sure that you will be ready for whatever the harsh winter season may bring. Driving a vehicle in extreme weather can be dangerous, so having your vehicle prepared is very important and will give yourself and loved ones the peace of mind.

Get the proper windshield fluid and windshield wipers

It is easy to forget how cold in can be in these winter months and how certain fluids in your vehicle will react to that. Traditional windshield fluid has the potential to freeze during extreme cold temperatures when coming in contact with your windshield and can be rather dangerous limiting the visibility for the driver. Be sure to get “Winter” specific fluid from your auto shop.

This is specially formulated to not freeze and can actually help melt and loosen ice and snow from your windshield. Having the correct windshield wipers that can handle the thickness of snow is also very important to having your windshields clear. Revive Auto Repair carries windshield wipers for all models and includes free installation! Come in today and we would be glad to help you find the proper fit for your vehicle.