How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

With winter just around the corner, many people will need to start thinking about getting their vehicles winter-ready. It is vital to perform proper car maintenance on your vehicle all year round for safety as much as anything. However, during the winter it becomes even more vital. This is the time of year when extreme weather conditions can cause all sorts of problems and hazards. You, therefore, need to make sure that your car is prepped in order to avoid these issues.

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, there are a number of key steps that you can take to get your car ready for winter. These are very simple steps but can make a big difference when the colder weather rolls around.

Some simple steps to get your car prepped for the winter

Making sure that your car is ready for the winter provides you with a range of benefits. First off, it will reduce the risk of your vehicle breaking down – after all, nobody wants to find themselves stranded in the freezing weather. Secondly, it can reduce the risk of accidents, which are far more likely in the winter weather. Finally, it provides you with valuable peace of mind when you are on the road.

Below are some of the essential steps you should take:

• Make sure you check your oil: It is important to check your oil and get it changed if necessary before the bad weather sets in. You need to make sure your vehicle has clean, high-quality oil and that the filters are also clean. If your oil hasn’t been changed in a while, get it booked in and have both the oil and filters changed beforehand.
• Get your tires checked: Problems with tires in the winter can be hugely dangerous, especially when the ice and snow set in. You need to make sure that the tread on your tires is adequate and that there are no problems such as a tiny puncture that could quickly escalate. Also, make sure you check the tire pressure, as this could also cause issues when driving in winter conditions.
• Check the battery: Another thing you need to check is your battery, as you need to ensure that it is fully charged. During the colder winter months, the battery on your vehicle is under more pressure and strain than usual. This is why you need to check the charge on it to ensure you don’t run out of juice in the middle of nowhere in freezing weather.
• Make sure the wipers work properly: Problems with wipers are very common, as they can split, break, and stop working with ease. However, winter is the time when you will really need to put your wipers through their paces, so you need to ensure they are in good working order. If there is any damage or excessive wear and tear, get them replaced.

One more thing you may want to do is invest in a cover for your car. While this is not part of the maintenance checklist, it is an effective protective measure. They can help to protect your locks and windows from freezing up as well as protecting the bodywork from the elements. Also, make sure you stock up on items that you will need for winter driving, including anti-freeze, a screen scraper, and some warm gloves!