Winter is nearly upon us. In some parts of the United States, it feels like it’s already here. Nonetheless, it’s high time you prepare your car for winter if you haven’t already. Much the same as you change your wardrobe when the weather starts getting colder, there are things to be taken care of where your automobile is concerned as the chillier months approach. This way, you can keep it running at its best.
Do you like saving money? Who doesn’t? One key to doing so, where your vehicle is concerned, is to get your car ready for winter. With some minor investments like windshield wipers, the proper fluids, and maybe some new brakes and tires, you’ll save thousands over what you spend now. If an accident or breakdown is prevented courtesy of your car’s winter preparation, the effort and money spent now will be well worth it.
Let’s check out the best winter car preparation tips according to a handful of experts. While we’re on the topic of winter driving tips, make sure you have a stellar auto insurance policy, so you’re covered if an unfortunate slide and dent episode occurs between you and another driver.
Fuel Level
Less regarding preparation and more something that needs to be paid attention to. All winter, keep at least half a tank of fuel in your automobile. More, whenever possible. Undue strain is put on the pump and various assorted parts when fuel is diluted (thanks to a buildup of moisture in a less-than-full gas tank).
Brakes
Definitely at the beginning of winter, possibly again around mid-season, you will want to have your brakes serviced/inspected. In addition to tires that are in tip-top shape, your brakes will help make the difference between stopping on time and an unfortunate winter accident.
Remember that winter is particularly hard on rotors and brakes. This is one reason why you may want to get the braking system checked again partway through the season.
Tires
Tire rotation and/or replacement when needed is crucial. You may even want to consider simply replacing all four tires, especially if you experience a lot of snow and freezing conditions.
Throughout winter, make sure you are maintaining a tire pressure that is appropriate.
How Is Your Battery?
There are few things worse than that sickening sound when you turn the key in the ignition and all you hear is “Click – Click – Click – Click – Click”… Then nothing. Naturally, it happens on the coldest day of the year. Now you’re sitting in an ice-cold car with no heat, no wipers, and worst of all, no running engine. Had you checked your battery and had it replaced before winter hit, you might not be in this situation.
Check the terminals on your battery to make sure there’s no corrosion. Additionally, ask a professional to inspect your battery to see if it needs to be replaced. The last thing you need on the coldest day of the year is to be stranded because you didn’t replace that tired old battery when you should have.
Additional Preparations
Here are just a couple more suggestions to get your car ready for winter:
- Install new wiper blades
- Summer windshield fluid and brake fluid formulas should be switched over to winter formulas (possibly oil as well, depending on your car)
All Set for Winter? Got Insurance?
We, at K&N Insurance Brokerage, post informative pieces like this because we care about our clientele and prospective clients. It’s useful information everyone should have access to. Now that your car is all prepared for winter, how is your automobile insurance? Are you happy with the insurance company you have? Could they be doing better? Are you paying too much for too little coverage? Why not check out what we have to offer?
We can also help you find home, renters, and condo insurance to protect you and your home against the unthinkable.
Get an easy, quick, and free insurance quote online, or call us for an instant quote at 866-517-8268.
