subject: Winter Safety Tips For Your Car [print this page] The winter season is coming and you have not started your yearly winterization rituals yet. Now is the time for you to perform your winter safety inspection so you can commute to work, school, or to run errands with a content conscience. Making sure your car is safe for the winter will not only save you money in repair and fuel costs, it can also save you a lot of time and aggravation, and it can extend the life of your car. Having a safe car for the winter can also save your life.
Check your Tires
Right before the winter is the perfect time to perform a tire inspection. Check your tires to make sure they have the right amount of air in them. Many people are riding around on tires with air pressure that is either too high or too low. You cannot tell if you have the proper amount of air just by testing the firmness of the tire. You should make sure that you have an air pressure gauge, which you can find at gas stations, auto parts stores, and general merchandise stores with an automotive section. They are relatively inexpensive and you will not have to worry about tire mishaps due to low or high air pressure inside the tire.
Maintaining proper tire air pressure will also help you drive with more fuel efficiency. You can look at your owner's manual or check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb for the air pressure you should be using in your tires. It may be a good idea to invest in snow tires as well. While all-season tires are supposed to provide good traction in almost any weather condition, car manufacturers are outfitting the newer cars with low-profile tires that are wider than previous models, which perform poorly in the snow.
Check your Engine, Fluid Levels, and Other Systems
Winter is a good time to perform a bumper-to-bumper inspection. You should make sure that you take your car to a good mechanic so that a thorough inspection can be made. Your car will be connected to a computer to access any error codes and the mechanic can give you an estimate on the cost of the auto repair and the time it would take to complete it. Your mechanic will check the electrical systems, suspension systems, and heating and cooling systems. He also will check your battery, windshield wipers, headlights, and turn signals. Checking your fluid levels, and topping them off, and perform other general car maintenance tasks will be on his to-do list as well.
Assemble Winter Safety Kits
Winter driving can be even more unpredictable, so you should prepare yourself by assembling a winter safety kit to keep in your car. This kit should include items such as a first-aid kit, blankets, extra clothing, nonperishable snacks, and a flashlight. You should also include a small took kit for making minor repairs if you have the capability to do so, and a pair of battery jumper cables in case your battery dies on you.
