Don't Forget About Your Car This Season!

As the temperatures drop and strong winds produce the wind chill, we lose body heat which can make it feel bitterly cold outside, possibly leading to frostbite or hypothermia. We grab our coats and gloves to protect us from the cold and as ice forms on the highways and streets, and the potential for accidents becomes greater as the risk for hidden dangers is heightened. According to Weather.com, any temperature below 20° Fahrenheit or above 90° Fahrenheit, can pose hazardous driving conditions due to weather. As we protect ourselves from the cold we need not forget about our cars as the colder environment can take a toll on the car too. Here are some tips on protecting your car from winter’s icy grip:

1. Check your windshield wipers. One of the worse things that could possibly happen is that during a snow/ sleet mix, slush from the street is kicked onto your front windshield and completely blinds your view. Good windshield wipers clean it off and make sure it is spotless by checking the status of the windshield wiper fluid.
2. Tires, tires, tires. Have you ever considered snow tires? They can improve traction if you just have them on for the winter season months, rather than the tires that wear down during any season because they are left on. Not looking for snow tires, check the tread depth, a tread depth of 2/32″ is safe according to National Highway Transportation Safety Board. Also check the tire pressure; tires lose pressure (one pound per square inch) whenever the temperature drops by 10°.
3. Fill up on that antifreeze! Leaking anti-freeze is not a good thing and like a coat to protect us from the cold, antifreeze helps to protect your car from the wintry environment. Make sure the mix is 50% antifreeze and 50% water.
4. Routine maintenance. Don’t prolong your oil-change. When the environment is colder the oil can become thicker and the goal is to keep your car’s engine lubricated. A quick reference for the right kind of oil to use in different temperatures and weather conditions can be found in the owner’s manual. Test your battery and check your belts as well.
5. Have an emergency kit. Emergencies can happen at any time and The Red Cross urges being prepared as part of their three steps towards preparedness. Include an ice scraper and snow brush, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, bag of salt or cat litter and non-perishable foods as part of your kit!

These are just a few tips to start winterizing your car. For more information on preparing your car for the winter and what to do if you become stranded check out: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/winterize.html. For more information on preparing for emergencies and The Red Cross, check out: http://www.redcross.org/. Happy driving!