Yesterday I told you about my latest get ready for winter task, getting my car ready for winter. Today I am looking at getting my car ready for winter part two. Lately I have talked a lot about winter weather preparations. We looked at getting our yards, homes, food storage, emergency supplies and more ready for winter. All of these preparations will be worth it once winter temperatures and weather hits. When preparing for winter weather it is always best to prepare for the worst possible conditions you may be facing. When preparing for winter weather I think it is always better to be over prepared than under prepared.
In the bad weather it is definitely better to minimize travel, but if travel is necessary, keeping your car ready to operate safely in severe weather is a must. I can’t say that enough. Winter weather can provide a variety of unexpected vehicle emergency situations. These are some of the things I am doing, follow along and get your car ready for winter part two.
Window washer fluid for cold temps
This is easy and inexpensive but the results are huge. Change your windshield wiper fluid to a fluid with deicer. It makes keeping a clean and clear windshield so much easier. Being able to see well is a huge safety issue, obstructed vision can contribute to accidents. Spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Windshield wipers
While you are changing your windshield wiper fluid, check your windshield wipers. Do they appear to be free from tears and cracks? Are they brittle or flexible? Replace your windshield wipers if they are damaged or worn. You need good windshield wipers to avoid obstructed vision, which can contribute to accidents. Again, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Gas tank de-icer
This is sold at most discount and big box stores. Adding it when you fill your car up with gas can help you avoid having your fuel line ice up. One more time, spend a couple of dollars and check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Keep gas tank at least half full
Remember to always keep your gas tank at least half full. This helps keep condensation from building up in your gas tank. Condensation in your gas tank equals water and ice, something you do not want. If you become stuck in traffic or stranded having at least a half tank of gas can help you avoid an emergency. This is a freebie, you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
Spare tire
Check your spare tire. Is it in good shape? Is it inflated properly? If you have to use it, you want it to be ready to go. This is another good thing to remember as we work through the list to get car ready for winter part two.
Brakes
How about the brakes in your car? Brakes are not something you want to ignore in winter weather. Stopping on less than ideal road conditions requires brakes and a braking system that is in good shape. If you notice anything unusual when braking, have your brakes checked by a professional.
Heater and defroster
These are probably working just fine or you would have already noticed. It is easy to tell because you are cold and your windows fog up. If for some reason you haven’t checked these yet, now is the time. Also check to be sure the vents are not covered or obstructed. Hopefully this is another freebie and you don’t have to spend any money to check this get your car ready for winter part two item off your list.
After we’ve checked all of these things on our get your car ready for winter part two list, our cars should be ready to get through winter weather and driving a bit more safely. Have an idea or tip that wasn’t mentioned? We’d love to hear it!