Winter Car Preparation Tips For Safer Driving

Audi Trunk in Winter Ski Trip

Driving during the winter can be treacherous even for the most experienced of motorists, but you can make things a little bit easier and safer by following these winter car preparation tips.

How Can I Ensure My Car is Ready for the Winter?

1. Have Your Car Serviced

Before you do anything else with your car, it's best to get it checked out to make sure everything is in good working condition. Driving during the winter will be a lot harder on it than driving during the spring or summer, and the last thing you want is to have it break down on you when it's below freezing outside. A proper check-up will ensure that your engine antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid is topped off, and it will ensure that your tires are in good condition. Of course, all of the usual issues such as dirty air filters and the need for regular oil changes should be addressed as well.

2. Put A Winter Survival Box Together

Preparing your car for the winter doesn't just apply to keeping your car in good working order. It also means having enough supplies on hand to survive if you find yourself stranded somewhere. A good winter survival box should include road flares, a heavy blanket, extra warm clothes, a charged cell phone, a bag of sand for traction, and some high-energy snacks that won't spoil such as beef jerky or nuts. Check on this survival box regularly to make sure that everything is there and in good condition, and replace anything that needs to be replaced.

Audi Front Grille, Engine

3. Check Your Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers will get a lot more use during the winter than during any other time of the year, so make sure they are in good condition. Check their effectiveness by looking for any areas on your windshield that your wipers have missed. If there are any such areas, replace your wipers before you really need them.

4. Switch to Winter Windshield Washer Fluid

You can use windshield washer fluid throughout the year, but you should switch to a winter formula when the temperature starts to drop. This fluid contains antifreeze ingredients and is effective for temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.

For more information about how to prepare a vehicle for the winter or to schedule a tune-up, contact our dealership in Springfield today.

Categories: Tips & Tricks, Service