Harsh winds and freezing temperatures make winter driving more dangerous. Winterizing your vehicle can help ensure that you and your family get through the winter with less risk.
Lincoln of Troy is here to help you prepare for the winter. If you are considering buying a new vehicle, now is the perfect time to upgrade to one that can take on the winter. Our service team is also here to help you make sure all your vehicles are in top condition before the weather gets worse.
What Winterizing Does
Winterizing is a collection of steps that prepares both you and your vehicle for cold temperatures and icy roads. Winterizing can help prevent:
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Loss of tire traction on the road
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Breakdowns caused by engine issues
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Accidents from loss of visibility
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Being stranded on the roadside
While not every accident and emergency can be prevented, winterizing is a way to reduce your risk. Knowing what condition your vehicle is in and how it handles winter conditions increases the likelihood of making it through to spring safely.
Ways to Winterize Your Vehicle
The process of winterizing varies between types of vehicles. An SUV is built to handle different road conditions and can be better suited for the winter. High-performance vehicles are meant for fun driving on clear roads and will need more help to succeed on winter roads.
The first step in winterizing is to have your vehicle serviced. Making sure everything is working properly sets it up for a successful winter. Take your vehicle to a mechanic who is familiar with the make and model.
Let them know you would like to have it serviced for winter. Some of the things they should do are to inspect, repair, and top off:
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Fluids (Including Antifreeze)
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Battery
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Brakes
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Tires
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Spark Plugs and Small Parts
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Belts and Hoses
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Cooling System
Repairs can be expensive, but fixing issues early on can prevent more costly repairs later. Knowing that your car is in top condition also gives you peace of mind when you head out on the road.
Even if the tires you have on your vehicle are in good condition, they may not be optimal for winter driving. Some tires are designed for higher speeds on dry clear roads and will easily lose traction in slush or on ice.
All-season and all-weather tires are a good option and, in many conditions, work great. They have better traction and can handle the cold.
If you plan on driving in areas with heavily iced roads, winter tires are the best option. They are designed for temperatures below 45 degrees and have the most traction. They come with and without studs; studded tires can damage cleared roads, so they should only be used on ice.
Wiper blades are another thing to consider switching. Winter wipers and winter wiper fluid are specifically meant to reduce ice buildup. Having a clear windshield is vital when the weather is already reducing visibility.
Winterize Your Driving
Besides making sure your vehicle is ready for winter, make sure you are, too. During the summer, it is easy to relax and get distracted by music and conversation. Winter driving takes more concentration, so be sure to reduce in-car distractions.
If you are new to winter driving or have new drivers in your home, now is the time to learn about how to handle winter roads. Knowing how to deal with black ice, hills, and whiteouts will help keep everyone safer.
If you do not already carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, it is a great idea to assemble one. An emergency kit may not prevent a situation from happening, but it can keep it from turning into an emergency.
You can purchase pre-assembled kits or build one yourself. It is important to know what is in your kit and how to use it. The basic things you should include are:
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Blanket or Sleeping Bag
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Car Tool Kit
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Chains
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Shovel and Sand
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Extra Hat, Coat, and Gloves
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Flashlight and Extra Batteries
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Ice Scraper
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Jumper Cables
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Non-Perishable Food
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Drinking Water
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First Aid Supplies
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Flares or Triangles
If you do find yourself stuck on the side of the road, a few things to keep in mind are:
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Stay in or next to your vehicle
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Do not leave your vehicle running
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Use light to signal for help
Knowing you are ready for winter makes it a more enjoyable time of year.
Get Ready for Winter
The temperature is already dropping, but the true winter weather is yet to come. Here at Lincoln of Troy, we want to help you stay safe. Go online or give us a call today to set up a service appointment for your vehicle.