The Cold Weather Checklist Every Driver Should Go Through Now

The Cold Weather Checklist Every Driver Should Go Through Now

Winter is coming: A fact that brings either joy or loathing depending on who you ask. While it may be easy to ignore the signs and go about your business, it would serve you well to consider running through this list to make sure that you are ready for winter driving.

Fluids

Make sure your fluids are topped off to help avoid unnecessary issues while on the road. This includes windshield washer fluid which will come in handy when ice salt and water start spraying all over the roads.

Windshield Wipers

If you’ve noticed your wipers bounding along your windshield or leaving streaks, it’s time to get them changed. Worn out blades will not be able to improve your visibility much

Tires

For every 10 degree drop in temperature, a tire will lose about a pound of pressure. If you haven’t checked your tire pressure at this point, you should. Optimal tire pressure gives you better traction, stopping power and better fuel mileage.

Additionally, check your tires for wear. A set of tires that you well past their prime are all the more likely to hydroplane, skid or simply get stuck. All season tires are by far the most popular in our region and tend to do the trick. I you want to give yourself an edge, consider winter tires for the winter months. Scientifically designed to work in colder temperatures and with optimized tread patterns, winter tires can add safety and peace of mind to your drive.

BBack Car Care Tip: BBack Car Care is a great place to buy tires. You can also store your tires at our shop. For a very low storage fee, we take the effort and mess out of managing your tires. Just as a service writer for more details your next time in.

Batteries

Your car battery takes a beating during the winter. It takes more power to start an engine in the cold and the temperature swings can impact your connections. Don’t blame us, blame science. A battery that is towards the end of its life can easily leave you stranded. Consider having your battery looked and and replaced.

Items for Emergencies

It’s important that you are prepared in the event that you slide off the road or can’t get your car started. You would think that AAA might come and bail you out right away, but in storm conditions, you are likely not the only one in need of help. Wait times can get into the hours.

If you can’t get your car started in that amount of time and don’t have anyone to rely on to help you out in a pinch, consider putting these items in your car, just in case.

1. Gloves, hats and scarves – anything to help keep you warm while inside or outside of your car.
2. Blankets – sub zero temps for long period of time is dangerous – plain and simple. A blanket can save your life if you happen to get stuck for long periods of time.
3. Flash light, flares and/or reflectors – Being stuck on the road, especially at night, is no joke. Anything to help bring attention to yourself and warn other vehicles that you are stopped can help. Many kits are inexpensive and easily available in department stores or online. High visibility LED flashlights are also widely available and inexpensive as well. Check their functionality often and change batteries as needed!
4. Kitty litter – Kitty litter does a fantastic job of offering grip under your wheels. It’s cheap, easily stored and is good insurance if you get stuck in some ice of snow.
5. Shovels and scrapers – These are obvious additions to your winter arsenal, yet many tend to forget them until they’re actually needed. Do yourself a favor and throw a small shovel and ice scraper into your trunk.
6. Jumper Cables – Another obvious addition but you’d be surprised how few people travel with jumper cables. If you have a dead battery, at least have jumper cables at the ready for a good samaritan stops to help.

Freezing temperatures and hazardous roads are only weeks away. Do yourself a favor and run through our checklist now so that you are ready for winter. You can’t put a price on safety and peace of mind and these simple, low cost items and services will go a long way.

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