Here are some things you can do to prepare your car for winter traffic.
Tires, Battery and Engine
First you should make sure your tires are in good shape and appropriate for the kind of winter conditions you will be driving in. This means snow tires for some parts of the country. Next you should make sure that your engine and battery are in good shape. Have your battery tested and replace it if it tests low or is within a few months of it’s life rating. For example you should replace a thirty-six month battery at or near that amount of months. You’ll be taking a big chance going into winter with an old battery if you don’t.
Make sure that your antifreeze is good. A mechanic can check this with an antifreeze tester. If it tests low you should replace it. When replacing antifreeze you should do a full engine flush to clean out the old fluid.
Road Service Plans
Winter is the biggest season for road service calls. If your cell phone provider offers an emergency road service plan it may be a good idea to join. These typically cost around $6.00 a month and offer emergency towing, gas, lockout and jumpstart services. If you are stranded it is a small price to have paid per month.
Emergency Items
To fully prepare your home for winter you should have certain emergency items in your vehicle. These include jumper cables, road flares, a red flag to place on your antenna in case of emergency, a flashlight and a first aid kit. Other items such as heavy blankets and warm clothes can be stashed in a backpack in the trunk. If you are stranded in a blizzard and do not have warm clothes you could perish if you cannot keep your car running.
To prepare your car for winter driving you can add other items depending on the climate you will be driving in. Tire chains, window scrapers, lock de-icing spray, mittens, hand warmers, and an umbrella all may come in handy. Add whatever items you might need if stranded in your car, such as baby formula, snacks, etc. Make sure you have a cell phone and charger. If you cannot afford a cell phone consider adding an inexpensive CB radio, which can be used to summon help from truckers. For more on how to use a CB radio see: How To Use A CB For Safety
Never leave home in the winter with a low gas tank. Keep your tank topped off at all times. Another benefit to keeping your tank full is that it prevents condensation from forming in your gas tank, which can lead to engine problems. Always have a map of the area you are traveling in and notify family or friends when leaving home in bad weather.
