Driving is one of those things we do every single day that has the power to transform our mood. Depending on the way you look at it, sitting behind the wheel of your car can either be a stressful, or infinitely enjoyable experience. You simply put your favorite tunes on, and you watch as the road unfolds before you – a truly calming sight.
That said, come wintertime and driving can prove to be a stressful task with numerous perils waiting on the road ahead. Avoiding car accidents in winter becomes more and more difficult as the temperatures get colder and the show starts to cover up the dormant ice on the roads. Here to help you have a safe and fun time driving in winter is your complete guide to prepping your car just right!
Change the tires and check the pressure
First things first, winter is the season when you want to upgrade your summer tires for their sturdier counterparts. Failing to do so will get you into some serious trouble with the law, but even worse, it might cause your car to spiral out of control on the road. When this happens, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and every other vehicle in your vicinity in serious danger.
Be sure to change your tires to winter models, and give them a quick pressure check-up. If your tires are underinflated, you’ll lose traction and stability, and if they’re overinflated, you’ll run the risk of losing control and bouncing all over the place. Keep the pressure balanced, and check it at least once a month.
Check your engine fluids
Engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, windshield washer – these are the essential fluids you need to check in order to make sure your car is ready for the lower temperatures. This goes for every month of the year, as proper fluid balance will help you extend the lifespan of your car and stay safe on the road. Not to mention that lowered fluid levels equal a sudden stop in the middle of nowhere.
You could do this on your own, but the process can be long and quite messy, so just take the car to the mechanic. If not, you’re looking at oil stains on your clothes, a lot of spills all over the floor, and worst of all, you’re risking making a mistake that will cause your car to stall completely. Overflowing the engine with fluids is no joke, so best avoid it from the start.
Inspect the windshield thoroughly
The windshield is one of the most important car parts many ladies never remember to inspect. After all, what is there to check? The glass is there, you can see through it, so it’s fine, right? Well, not necessarily. The windshield plays a vital role in ensuring your safety on the road, and it helps keep the roof up. Provided that it’s not damaged, of course.
In order to avoid nasty cracks and even the complete shattering of your windshield mid-drive, be sure to take your car to a windshield chip repair professional who will be able to inspect it and offer windshield repair and auto glass repair services before the chilling temperatures kick in. This is especially important for preventing further damage, and God forbid, a roof cave-in should the car spiral out of control and land on its head. It happens, especially in winter, so take every precaution.
Check the battery and recharge if needed
Quite simply, if the battery doesn’t work, the car won’t run. This is especially true for older vehicles that already struggle in colder weather, but that doesn’t mean modern cars will be able to start easily either. First up, pop open the hood and inspect the battery for surface wear and tear. If you notice any damage, take your car to the technician immediately.
Next, get in the car and check the start time. If you notice a sluggish start up, or that the spotlights aren’t working as they used to, it’s time to juice-up the battery. This can only be done by a skilled technician who uses professional equipment, so don’t try any “homemade” charging solutions. Remember, it can go boom, so just take the thing to your mechanic.
Inspect the braking system
Arguably, the braking system is the most important part of your car. The most important thing is that you are able to bring your car to a full stop quickly and safely, no matter the weather, not matter the situation. With that in mind, you need to inspect the braking system thoroughly in order to make sure it’s working properly – the cold winter weather can take a heavy toll on the entire system, so be careful. Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, the brake pedal, and the brake line underneath the hood. Make all necessary repairs on the spot, and replace faulty parts in order to ensure a safe driving experience. Car repair shops or garages may need access mats to protect the various equipment they use once the car gets reassembled.
There is nothing worse than a gal stranded in the middle of nowhere with no heat source in sight. Be sure to make these essential preparations for the cold weather that is soon to come and you will have no problem enjoying your time behind the wheel this winter season.
