It’s that time of year, winter is right around the corner. Here are 5 Xpert tips to help prepare your vehicle for winter.
First, always have a winter supply kit in your vehicle. In this kit, always have a flashlight, first-aid kit, a few blankets, change of warm clothes for the driver, few extra pairs of gloves, portable charger for your phone, bag of sand (for traction), winter boots, extra ice scraper, some high-energy snacks (like nuts or jerky), and a bottle of water. The winter supply kit is important in case of a slide off in winter to make sure you are well prepared to get yourself out or if you can’t due to extreme weather, to be able to call and wait for help.
Second, never have less than half a tank of gas in your vehicle at all times. In case of a slide off or traffic jam, you want to make sure you will have enough gas to get you through the situation.
Third, check your tire pressure and tread depth. With the snow and ice, it is important to make sure your vehicle has good traction on the roads. To check the tread on your tires, do the “lincoln test”. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward toward the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace the tire before winter weather begins.
Fourth, check your vehicle’s fluid levels and make sure they are all full, especially engine coolant and antifreeze. The antifreeze will insure that your vehicle is running smoothly even during the cold winter times.
Finally, make sure your brake lights is working properly. In the winter weather, it takes longer for a vehicle to slow down so it is important that your brake lights are working properly to insure that the vehicles behind you have an ample amount of time to stop.
If unfortunately you are in an accident this winter, be sure to see Auto Body Xperts!