5 Winter Driving Tips

Winter may be a perfect time to take a seat back, and sip your warm cup of coffee, but nonetheless, it certainly isn’t a great time of the year for your vehicle. Winter driving can be challenging if you reside in an area which receives a lot of snow and ice. In this article, we discuss 5 car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good shape during winter.

#1: Check the battery

Winter can boost stress on battery life especially if you park outdoors. The best way to check your battery voltage is to get it tested by a technician at your local AutoShop if you don’t have a multimeter. If you do have one, make sure that your battery measures 12.6 volts or above when fully charged. The average car battery life is 3 to 5 years, so you should pay attention to signs hinting that it may be time to change it such as flickering headlights and rotten egg smell.

#2: Check the tires

Make sure to maintain a good tire pressure to handle severe weather conditions safely. You will notice an increase in your gas mileage in the winter, so paying attention to your tire pressure can help reduce your gas bill. Aging tires can be dangerous depending on the number of miles that you drove. If necessary, putting winter tires on your car that can properly handle the snow may is a good idea.

#3 Check your heater and defroster

You don’t want to run the risk of being stuck in a random place without heat in your car by a cold winter. Test your heater and defroster regularly to make sure they work properly. In the morning, you may find your windshield so fogged up that it limits your visibility. The defroster will help you clean that up quickly without you running late for work or something else.

#4 Keep a survival kit in your car

You’ve got to be prepared for emergencies, hence the necessity to keep a survival kit in your car. Here is the list of tools you need to include in your kit:

• A set of jumper cables of 16 feet or 20 if you have a Truck.

• A Jack and Lug Wrench to change a flat tire

• A Flashlight (LED preferably)

• A repair toolkit

• An emergency tire

• Vehicle fire extinguisher

• First Aid kit

• A Blanket and extra clothing

• Emergency signaling

• Food and Water

• A Multi-tool

#5 Drive safely

As you know, in winter the road can be slippery. You will notice that people drive slower than usual, and there is more traffic. If you’re in the rush to go somewhere, try leaving earlier to be on time. Pay attention to the vehicles surrounding you and make sure to maintain a safe distance. Prepare your break in advance to avoid collision on a slippery road.

Stay warm and safe!

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