Winter is the most crucial season to take care of your car. The weather elements are tough, including salted roads, snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and washing your car is not always an option if you are in the snow belt.
Before winter comes:
In the fall, start to prepare your car with the items you will need through winter. Also, wash your car, wax it on a nice day, and clean your windows and interior. It’s much nicer to take care of your car when the weather is comfortable.
Items to have in your car in the winter:
- Blankets – Blankets are not just for your passengers on their way home from an event, but they are great for providing warmth if your car breaks down. You can also purchase emergency blankets that are lightweight but help provide warmth in an emergency.
- Phone charger – Always good to have a wireless phone charger if your car breaks down.
- Shovel – If you live in a snowy climate, a shovel is great for getting your car out of snowbanks.
- Kitty litter – Kitty Litter can provide traction in the snow and ice if you need to get traction under your wheels.
- First aid kit – Just in case someone falls on the ice, slips in the snow, or more.
- Ice and snow brush – To remove any snow or ice.
- Water and dry food – in case you need hydration or food
- Jumper Cables – In case your battery dies
Before Winter Comes:
Take your car to the local car wash or grab a bucket and soap and wash your car. After you wash your car, grab some wax and wax the car to protect the paint. You can also wax your lights to help keep snow and ice off of them. At this point, you will want to also clean the interior and wash the windows inside and out. Also, check your tire pressure, add washer fluid that can withstand cold and freezing, check your oil, and keep your gas tank on half a tank.
Along with tire pressure, check your tires for wear and make sure there is enough tread left for wet or snowy weather. Take it to a local tire shop if you aren’t sure what that should look like. In some areas, you can purchase and put on winter tires or tires with snow chains. This may be necessary for certain parts of the country.
Also, get your brakes checked and have a mechanic look over your car. Windshield wipers are an often overlooked area but will be crucial if you get inclement weather. Purchase new ones if your wipers aren’t working as they should. Check your battery to make sure it has a good life left. Cold temperatures seem to be the perfect time for a battery to stop working.
