Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Inclement Road Conditions

Posted: November 13, 2022 8:14 am

Many areas of the northern U.S. experienced the first blast of winter this week. It is never too early to begin thinking about what you need to do to prepare your vehicle for the conditions ahead. Taking the steps now to get ready for the onset of winter will ensure that your vehicle is ready when cold weather strikes. Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind.

Consider Winter Tires

While all-season tires may be serviceable in some types of winter conditions, specially designed winter tires will deliver optimal performance. Winter tires are a particularly good idea if you live in an area that routinely experiences bitter cold temperatures.

This is because the rubber compounds in tires not engineered to withstand consistent temperatures below the freezing mark are not able to grip the road as effectively. The unique compounds used in winter tires are able to withstand the cold temperatures so that drivers enjoy optimal traction when driving in snow, ice, and slush.

All-season tires are acceptable if you live in an area of the country that only sees sporadic winter conditions. However, the persistent cold temperatures of some areas necessitate the use of winter tires.

Maintain Tire Pressure

In addition to using winter tires, you should also take care to maintain proper tire pressure as the mercury plummets. Experts estimate that tires can lose or gain 1 PSI with every 10-degree temperature shift. You can find the recommended pressure for your specific tires inside the vehicle’s driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Be sure to follow these recommendations for best results.

Stay Abreast of Changing Temperatures

Temperatures that change too quickly will also impact traction on the roads. This is why it is a good idea to check the forecast before heading out on a road trip. Even in the absence of winter precipitation, a drastic change in the temperature can impact how your tires are able to grip the road. The winter is the most important time of the year to stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Switch to Winter Wipers and Fill Fluid Levels

While you are winterizing your vehicle, be sure to switch to winter windshield wipers. These types of wipers are equipped with a special type of rubber that prevents ice from building up on the blades. Be sure to make a note to switch the winter wipers back to regular wipers when the season is over.

While you are at it, you also need to replace your windshield wiper fluid frequently. Drivers are more likely to go through a larger amount of this fluid during the winter months. You can also find wiper fluids that are formulated for the harsh elements of the season.

Put Together a Winter Safety Kit

Although you should also keep a safety kit in your vehicle throughout the year, it is most important to keep this adequately stocked during the winter months. You never know when you will encounter a road emergency. Good items to keep in your kit include a snow shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, a fully stocked first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, hand warmers, a cell phone charger, and a bag of kitty litter to enhance traction when stuck.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full

Something to keep in mind throughout the winter is that you should be diligent about keeping your gas tank full. Your engine may be the only thing that can keep you warm if you are stranded. In addition, a full gas tank will reduce condensation, lowering the odds that the gas line freezes. You will take to the roads with more confidence if you never let your gas tank dip below half full.

Check Rear-Window Defroster

Well ahead of the first snowfall of the year, you are going to want to check your rear-window defroster. This is particularly vital if you have not used this vehicle safety feature since last winter. You do not want to be driving in bad weather only to learn that your defroster is not performing up to par.

Review Winter Driving Tips and Emergency Preparedness

Even the most experienced drivers can become flustered when trying to navigate tricky roads. This is why you should take the time to review some basic winter driving tips while the weather is still decent. For example, be sure to understand what are the best gears to use when navigating snow versus ice. You should also learn what to do if your vehicle begins to slide.

As you are reviewing your winter driving tips, it is prudent to also familiarize yourself with how to handle an emergency on the roads. For example, you should only run your vehicle long enough to stay warm. Keeping it on for long periods of time could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. You should also consider turning on the dome lights to attract attention.

Service Your Vehicle

Savvy drivers understand the importance of servicing their vehicle with a professional if they feel at all uneasy about its performance in the elements. A professional auto care provider will inspect the battery to make sure that it is fresh while also checking out the brakes. Your cooling system should be examined and all fluids should be filled.

Following these tips will give more peace of mind as winter begins to rear its head.

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