Believe it or not, your car has affects from the cold too. Follow these
tips to help you have a safer winter driving season.
First, and this goes for any time of year, change your oil at the manufacturers
specified time, generally 3,000 miles. When you have an oil change most technicians also
give your car a once over checking tires and belts and fluids. Remember, the oil is the
life blood of your car.
Keep your gas tank full. This helps prevent possible moisture build up and also adds a
bit of weight to your car which might help you in the snow. Don't let your tank fall below
one half.
Replace your wiper blades. There's nothing worse than having no visibility, especially
when you're getting the spray of salt up on your windshield. Make sure you have plenty of
washer fluid. Carry an extra gallon with you. You go through it much faster in the winter
weather due to salt spray.
Check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Make sure that if you don't have actual
snow tires on different rims that the radials you have on your car have a good tread.
Again, like the oil, keep an eye on the condition of your tires. A good rule is to have
them rotated when you have your oil changed this will help prevent uneven wear. Make sure
that you have a usable spare tire and you spare hasn't dry rotted.
There are a few things that you should keep in your car for winter driving, an ice
scraper and deicer (it's a good thing to keep these things in the house too in case your
car is covered with ice when you need to get into it), boots, gloves, a small shovel, sand
and a flash light. Always have your cell phone fully charged and with you just in case.
Hopefully these tips will help you have a carefree winter driving experience.
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