The emergency of winter weather is something very few drivers are looking forward to. Driving during the winter brings multiple risks. You have to be aware of the road conditions as well as the behavior of other drivers. Accidents are inevitable. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent winter weather driving from being a major inconvenience. Consider these winter car maintenance tips that can help you save money.
Schedule a Tune-Up
One of the first things you can do to get your car ready for winter is to schedule a tune-up. It’s recommended that you schedule the tune-up before it starts freezing. Getting a tune-up helps ensure that your car will operate at peak performance during the winter. A mechanic should be able to check your car for any potential issues.
Inspect Your Brakes
Hundreds of accidents occur every year due to brake mishaps. Having good brakes is essential during the winter. Check your brake fluid before the first snowfall of the year. You may need to replace your brake pads for more security. Check your emergency brake as well, so you will have the ability to make urgent stops. Good brakes can prevent your car from suffering major damage in an accident.
Inspect Your Car Battery
Cold weather puts a significant strain on your car battery. It’s important to have your mechanic check your battery, so it maintains peak performance even in harsh winter conditions. Some retail stores will test your car battery for free. Perhaps your battery is functioning properly, but it’s dirty. You can use a wire brush to clean excess grease and other buildup off of the battery.
Tire Overview
Your tires are especially important during winter when inclement weather compromises traction. More than 1 million people die in car crashes every year, with an extra 30 million suffering injuries or permanent disabilities because of traffic collisions. These are alarming statistics and many of these fatal accidents could have been avoided if drivers had better tires. It is imperative that you winterize your tires even if you have to purchase new ones. While purchasing new tires may put a strain on your personal financial situation, think of the alternative.
Interior Cleaning
Cleaning your car’s interior removes dirt and prevents permanent stains from forming. Interior cleaning also gives you the opportunity to wax and seal different areas that may be vulnerable to salt buildup. Interior cleaning benefits your personal financial situation by preventing potentially expensive repairs in the future. Research shows that in 2017, the total cost of service and parts sales at dealerships in the United States were greater than $100 billion.
Clean Your Windshield
Driving in rain and snow impairs your visibility. Your windshield blades will suffer punishment. Clean your wiper blades before winter to get rid of dirt and other buildup. Replace the blades if they are worn out, so you can remain safe on the road at all times. You can use traditional window cleaner, alcohol, or vinegar to clean your windshield. Research shows that 30% of auto insurance claims are windshields. This means it’s important to stay on top of things.
Check the Headlights
Due to shorter days during winter, you will likely spend more time driving in the dark. It’s important to have functioning headlights so that you can be aware of your surroundings at all times. Check your headlights to see if you need to replace the bulbs. In most cases, simply cleaning your lights will restore them back to their optimal level.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Pack an emergency kit so that you’ll be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Perhaps the battery gives out while you are stuck in traffic, or you suffer a flat tire. It’s recommended that your emergency kit include a flashlight, food, water, warm clothing, jumping cables, and a snowbrush.
Utilizing these tips can help alleviate some stress involved with winter driving. It may be a good idea to find a mechanic near you so that you can get started.
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