Since winter is here it’s a good time to make sure you are prepared for miserable weather conditions to best avoid an inconvenient or bad situation! Fortunately, AAA provides some great guidance and advice for the wet, cold and icy weather to come, so we summarized that information below: Check, or have your mechanic check, the following items before winter approaches:
- Battery: Cold-weather starts require a battery that is fully charged. Have your battery checked and replaced, if needed.
- Ignition system: Damaged ignition wires, a cracked distributor cap or worn spark plugs can make starting difficult or may cause a sudden vehicle breakdown. A vehicle checkup will reveal any problems.
- Lights: During the winter, working lights become more critical for others to see you. Make sure all your lights and lenses are clean and functioning properly. Grime on headlight lenses reduces their effectiveness by as much as 90 percent. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
- Brake system: The ability to slow the vehicle is critical! Have your brakes checked regularly and don’t delay any necessary maintenance or repairs.
- Tires: The amount of traction that exists between the tires and roadway surface determines how well the vehicle accelerates, turns and stops. Make certain your tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
- Heating and cooling system: Make sure your vehicle’s engine cooling system contains enough antifreeze to prevent freezing in cold weather. Keep the mixture fresh by changing it regularly and having the entire system checked for leaks.
- Windshield wipers, washer, glass and vehicle exterior: Clean windows offer optimal visibility. Blades should completely clear glass with each swipe. Thus, wiper blades that streak the windshield should be replaced. The washer reservoir bottle should be filled with an antifreeze washer solvent.
- Winter driving kit: The following items, carried in your vehicle, will be invaluable should an emergency develop:
- Weego (duh) – jump starter, flashlight, phone charger – all in one
- Small snow shovel
- Ice scraper (sand, salt or cat litter)
- Cloth or paper towels
- Snow brush
- Blanket
- Traction mats
- Warning flares or Flashlight triangles
- Window-washing solvent
- Gloves or mittens
- First-aid kit
