Gearing Up For Winter
As much as I hate to admit that summer is over and the warm temperatures are gone, it is true. Winter is just around the corner. With that, comes the cold, snow, and icy weather conditions that can make driving hazardous.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to do a full check-up on your vehicle and make sure you are prepared to handle the impending winter driving conditions. It may seem like a funny concept, but spending money now to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather will actually cost less in the long run and prevent you from having to make major repairs or replacements due to winter weather deterioration.
Assessing your car battery and replacing it if necessary is important to do prior to winter. Batteries of all sorts have to work harder when exposed to cold temperatures, and when they work harder, they die faster. Having a professional inspect your vehicle battery will provide insight into the life remaining, any corrosion that may have occurred, and if replacement is recommended.
Tire pressure is also important to test on a weekly basis when the temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit because the cold can cause tires to deflate. Tire tread is also something to watch, and replacement is recommended if the tread is 2/32 of an inch or less. Tires support our vehicles on the highway, so keeping them properly inflated to grip the road will keep everyone safe. Also, if you switch to snow tires in the winter, now is a good time to get that scheduled.
Having your brakes inspected and fluids updated, such as changing to washer fluid rated for cold weather are a few additional items important to do this time of year. Another vital fluid level to watch closely is gasoline. Keeping your gas tank more than half-full in winter is good practice. It could save you in an emergency, and it will keep extra moisture buildup out of your tank and avoid a gas line freeze.
Vehicle maintenance is important for both individual drivers and people driving for their business. If you own a business that has drivers on the road, proper winter training for staff will prepare them for the cold weather months ahead. Check that the business vehicles your employees drive are stocked and ready to go, as winter will be here soon.
In addition to these tips, confirming you are properly insured will give you peace of mind when accidents happen. To find out if you have the proper insurance you need or for any insurance inquiries, contact your agent today.
References:
https://www.businessinsider.com/car-winter-storage-prepare-cold-weather-2019-11
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/winter/driving