Tips to Winterize Your Car
Tips to Winterize Your Car
Midwest winters are known to bring sub-zero temperatures and harsh driving conditions. Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.1
Is your car prepared for the upcoming winter months? Check out our quick tips below to make sure you’re ready to go before the first snowfall.
- Pack an emergency kit – include items in case of an accident or if you get stranded
- Include: flares, jumper cables, ice scraper, sand and shovel, first-aid kit, flashlight and batteries, non-perishable food items, warm clothing, blanket and boots
- Service your vehicle regularly – if you are unsure with any of these items, reach out to your local auto shop.
- Change your oil – switch to a thinner, less viscous oil, which keeps the circulation throughout your engine running smoothly
- Install winter wipers and keep wiper fluid full – whether it’s sleet, snow or slush, wipers and fluid will keep your windshield clear so you can see the road
- Check your battery – cold weather can be tougher on your battery
- Check anti-freeze mixture – you’ll want a 50:50 anti-freeze to water ratio, which prevents coolant from freezing
- Check tire pressure often – when the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tires, worsening traction on the road
- Consider snow tires – the tread on non-snow tires could harden in colder weather, reducing your tires’ ability to grip the road
- Fill up – always have your gas tank at least half full to prevent a gas line freeze-up
These tips should help keep your car in tip-top shape this winter. Contact Katie Christopherson to make sure your car insurance is in tip-top shape as well!
Courtesy of Integrity Insurance.
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Source
1 Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
