How to Winterize Your Car

Whether you’re ready or not, winter is just around the corner (last year it even snowed on Halloween!). Keeping your car protected from the wintery mix that Mother Nature has in store for us, is as important as maintaining your home for the same frigid conditions. Here are some tips to help your car survive winter:

1. Keep an emergency kit inside your car. This should include: flares, blankets, boots, engine oil, washer fluid, coolant, flashlights, water and food.
2. Buy snow tires. Driving in the snow, sleet, and ice can be very dangerous, having the right tires on your car or truck can make a huge difference.
3. Monitor tire pressure. Traction is already minimized due to wet or snowy conditions, making sure your tires are properly inflated helps increase traction between your tire and the road.
4. Check your battery. Make sure your battery’s connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. If it’s more than three years old, have it tested and replace it if necessary.
5. Consider new wiper blades. You may want to upgrade to rubber coated snow blades that can handle the tough winter months. And don’t forget a de-icing wiper fluid.
6. Keep your gas tank filled more than half full at all times. Keeping it filled will help avoid it freezing.
7. Purchase a lock de-icer. Door locks and handles can freeze in the cold temperatures and this will help de-ice them. Just don’t keep it in your car in case you need it!

Planning ahead and winterizing your car will help you have a safe and warmer winter. Have other tips to help winterize your car? Share them below!