Winter is here, and with it come many hazards to vehicles that are not present the rest of the year. Here are some tips on how to protect your car or truck this season.
Winter brings with it snow and ice, which contribute to thousands of accidents across the country every year. Your safest bet is to avoid traveling in snowy or icy weather, but that may not always be possible. If you must drive in hazardous conditions, use caution. Drive slowly and keep plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles. It would also be wise to invest in a good set of snow tires if you live in an area that tends to get heavy snowfall in the winter.
Visibility is a concern during the winter. Even if it is not snowing, it may still be hard to see at night, at twilight, or on a gray rainy day during the winter. Make sure that your headlights and windshield wiper blades are functioning property. If they are starting to get worn out, replace them.
Cold weather can make a car battery fail. If the battery in your vehicle is more than three years old, you might want to consider replacing it. Even if you decide not to replace it, you should still have a mechanic check the battery and lead connections and clean them if needed. It is also wise to invest in a portable power source or a set of jumper cables.
Cold temperatures can lower the air pressure in tires. It is important to check your tires often during the winter. When you inflate your tires, follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual or on the label inside the driver’s door, not the number on the tires’ sidewalls.
Salt can be an effective way to treat roads and make it safer to drive in snowy weather, but it can also have a corrosive effect on a vehicle’s finish. Once rust starts to form, it can be difficult to stop. It is important to wash your car frequently during the winter, including the undercarriage.
With winter here, it is important to recognize the hazards specific to this season and take precautions to keep yourself and your vehicle safe. A little preventive maintenance can keep your vehicle running well and protect it from damage this season.
