Driving in the winter can be a challenge if you aren’t properly prepared. Snow, ice, and low temperatures put additional stress on vehicles and their components, sometimes leading to dangerous accidents. With more than 70 percent of U.S. roads located in potential snowy areas, drivers can’t afford to ignore these common risks.
Preparing your vehicle for winter weather ahead of time can help keep you safe. With that in mind, here are five steps to equip your car for winter.
Test Your Battery
Car battery capacity drops roughly 20 percent in freezing weather and can drop even lower in extreme cold. Poor road conditions could make it more difficult to get help if your battery dies, too, so it’s critical to ensure that your battery is working properly.
Test your car battery’s voltage, resistance, and conductance, either with a computerized tester or by taking it to a professional. You should also check your battery terminals for corrosion and clean them to prevent any buildup. If these tests show that the battery is towards the end of its life, replace it as soon as possible.
Check Fluid Levels
As you inspect your car, be sure that all of your fluid levels are full. The most important levels to check in the winter are your oil, antifreeze, windshield, and brake fluid, as these are more susceptible to cold weather. If any fluids are low, refill them before winter conditions hit their peak.
If you live in a particularly cold area, you may want to replace your fluids with winter versions. For example, 5W-30 oil is better for winter than 10W-30 because it’s less viscous, making it less likely to thicken in lower temperatures.
Inspect or Change Your Tires
Snow and ice can make it difficult for your tires to grip the road, so it’s important to check them, as well. First, make sure that their tread is deep enough, at least 2/32 inches and preferably 4/32 inches. If the tread is too shallow, replace your tires. After that, ensure all of your tires are fully inflated.
If you’re in a snowy region, you may want to put snow tires on your car. If your current ones are still in good condition, you can sell them, as good-looking tires have a higher resale value, offsetting the cost of snow tires.
Replace Wiper Blades
Your car’s wiper blades are another part you’ll want to address. The plastic or silicone on these can wear down faster in cold weather, eventually exposing bare metal. Consequently, if you don’t replace your blades, the metal can permanently scratch your windshield, hindering visibility.
New wiper blades are relatively affordable, and you can get them at any auto parts or large department store. You can check your manual or a wiper size guide to see what size you’ll need. Installing them will only take a couple of minutes at most and will help you see clearly in the snow and ice.
Create a Winter Emergency Kit
Even with proper preparation, a winter storm can still cause an accident or leave you stranded on the road. In light of this risk, many regional transportation departments recommend packing a winter emergency kit in your car. This kit should contain basic supplies you’ll need to repair your car or wait for help in extreme weather.
Things to keep in your emergency kit include:
- A flashlight and batteries
- Jumper cables
- A first aid kit
- Warm blankets
- Gloves
- An ice scraper
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
If you have space, you may also want to bring a bag of sand to improve traction, road flares, and a snow shovel. If you or your family have specific needs like medication or baby supplies, pack those too.
Stay Safe This Winter
Driving in the winter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Follow these steps to equip your car for winter weather conditions this year and stay safe, no matter what you encounter.
Many of these steps are straightforward and seemingly small, but they can make a considerable difference. Making sure you cover these points will keep you and your vehicle safe this winter.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
