Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Driving in snow can put your driving smarts to the test! But once you know how to winterize your vehicle and prep your car for winter’s worst, you can tackle the road with peace of mind.

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle Before winter really hits, take the time to prepare your vehicle with these six simple tips:

Replace those tired tires If you have snow tires for your car, put them on before the first snowfall. For those using all-season tires, make sure they’re properly inflated and have adequate tread with even wear.

Get your car serviced If your car is due for service, or there’s some nagging noise that’s been bothering you, stay proactive and get it checked out.

Check your battery Winter weather impacts battery performance, and if you have a hybrid or electric vehicle, battery power is very important. It’s a good to have a mechanic check the voltage, charging systems and belts.

Keep it cool when it’s cold It might seem counter-intuitive, but coolant needs to be checked even in the winter. Preventing your coolant from freezing is an easy, proactive move you can make to stay on course and on the road.

Fill your wiper fluid Make sure your wiper fluid reservoir is full. You’re probably going to use a lot of it over the winter, so check it often, keep it full and keep an extra jug on hand. In addition, make sure your wipers and window defrosters are in good, working condition.

Get out the chains Some mountain passes require chains during winter storms because they greatly aid in traction when driving in the snow. Before the snow falls, practice installing your chains so it’s an easier task when the weather demands more than winter tires.