There’s a lot to do as you prepare for winter. You have to dig out your cold-weather clothes, make sure your house is ready for the cold, and stock up on your favorite seasonal foods. That doesn’t even include the holiday prep you’re doing. However, one of the most crucial things on your to-do list should be taking care of your car. You need your vehicle to be in excellent shape if it’s going to reliably serve you whenever the weather gets bad. Make sure you’re ready with our guide to seasonal safety: how you can prepare your car for winter.
Top Up Those Fluids
The engine needs to be in tip-top shape when the winter weather hits. An easy way to do this is to change out or refill fluids as needed. Stay on top of oil changes so your engine can be in prime condition. You should also check the coolant ratio in your engine. If you don’t have enough coolant, winter temperatures can cause your engine to freeze. The ratio inside your radiator should be at least 50/50 coolant and water, but if it gets extremely cold you can up the ratio to 60 percent coolant and 40 percent water.
Tire Check
You don’t want to slip and slide your way through the season. Old or worn-down tires make driving more difficult in poor conditions. If the tread on your tires is worn, it might be a good idea to get new ones before the first snow hits. No matter what, keep an eye on the air pressure in your tires throughout the season, as temperature changes can affect the pressure and damage your tires if you’re not careful.
Run the Heater Early
Make sure your car can produce heat before you actually need it to. If there’s something wrong with the heater or defroster in your vehicle, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later. The last thing you want is to realize your car isn’t heating up when you’re fifteen minutes into a long drive through the cold.
Stock Up on Spares and Supplies
You never know what the season will bring. One pro tip for how you can prepare your car for winter is to stock up on basic maintenance supplies. When you have extra engine oil, a spare set of wiper blades, antifreeze, and other supplies on hand, car maintenance becomes easier and more affordable. Stock your garage with the tools, supplies, and spare parts you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly all season long.
