As the economic conditions have worsened, some working Americans have turned to alternate methods of transportation in order to relieve their financial burdens. Others have done so simply to leave a lighter carbon footprint on the environment. But as the end of the year approaches and the weather turns colder, many will be storing their bicycles and bus passes in favor of the climate-controlled convenience of their personal vehicles. As more cars rev up for the winter commute, it is more important than ever to keep seasonal safety in mind.
Winter is the most notorious time of year for auto accidents. Frigid temperatures, dangerous weather and unpredictable road conditions create a potentially hazardous environment for drivers. Whether or not your vehicle is mechanically prepared for unfavorable conditions can be the difference between a smooth morning commute and a stressful one. But getting your vehicle ready for winter, called winterizing, is much easier than you might think. This article will take a look at a few easy steps you can take to winterize your car and make yourself better prepared to face your commute this winter.
Refill and Replace
Beneath its shiny exterior, a vehicle is a complex system of moving parts. And while it’s easy to check only one or two systems, it’s important to remember how they all work together. For the best winter preparation, consider taking your vehicle to your local service station for a thorough checkup under the hood. In addition to checking the health of the battery and all belts and hoses, your mechanic should pay special attention to the vehicle’s fluids. Fresh antifreeze and viscous winter-suitable oil are a must. If you have water in your windshield washer reservoir, you might consider making the switch to proper windshield washer fluid, as it doesn’t freeze.
Keep Tires in Mind
Your tires are the only thing between you and the road. In the wintertime, that road might be coated in ice, snow or dangerous road slush. In order to prevent loss of traction, check your tires for age and season. Many tires are considered “all weather”, but others are specifically designed for seasonal conditions. Whether or not you should make the switch depends on the severity of the weather typical in your area. Hilly, mountainous areas or areas further north, prone to a greater amount of ice and snow, should consider investing in winter-specific tires. In more temperate zones or areas with greatly varying winter conditions, it would be wise to check the traction of the tires you currently use and maintain proper air pressure, adjusting and refilling as necessary.
Prepare for Emergencies
Even with the most diligent of care, sometimes emergencies happen, so gather a few items just in case. Should you ever find yourself stranded in your car, stuck in snow or slush, or locked out of your vehicle by winter conditions, you’ll be glad for your emergency kit. Must-haves include: ice scrapers, shovels, sand or cat litter for on-the-spot traction, blankets or extra sets of clothes, jumper cables, flashlights, flares and tire-changing tools. If your area is especially prone to rough winter conditions, consider adding tire chains to your emergency kit.
Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so make sure that you’re prepared to avoid hazardous situations. Interested in more seasonal safety tips and suggestions? Check ‘n Go, a leader in the payday loan lending industry, has hundreds of helpful articles available in the planning section of their new website.
