Is Your Car Ready For Winter?

A few weeks ago, after a fabulous vacation in the Caribbean, I returned home to a dead car. Yup, not even a brief sign of life. So, I called the auto club and they sent someone to jump my car battery. It started right up. I thought, it was simply because we were away and the car had not run that this happened. The tech offered to sell us a new battery, but we did not think it was necessary, so we passed. Well, you guessed it two days later the car was dead-again. There was no getting around it, we needed a new battery, and we got one. All is well in my automotive world once again. 

There is no getting around it here in the northeast, winter is coming. This morning the temp is in the 20's. The news report is showing feet of snow on the ground in NY state. It is, my friends, time to prepare our vehicles for winter.

Don't wait until it's too late! Here are some important steps you can take to ensure that you and your car are ready for any inclement weather:

1. Protect Your Car's Finish: Salt and sand can cause significant damage to your car's finish. To prevent this, apply a fresh coat of wax or other protective finish to shield your car from the harsh elements.

2. Schedule Tune-ups and Oil Changes: Make sure your vehicle is running smoothly by scheduling any necessary tune-ups and oil changes. This will help your car perform at its best during cold weather.

3. Check Your Battery and Coolant/Antifreeze: Cold weather can make it difficult to start your car, so make sure your battery and coolant/antifreeze are in good condition. You don't want to be stranded on a cold morning!

4. Check Your Tires: Your tires should be winter-worthy, so make sure they have adequate tread and are properly inflated. This will help you maintain traction and control on slippery roads.

5. Check Your Windshield Wipers: Ensure your front and rear windshield wipers are in good working order and replace them if they show any signs of wear. Keep your windshield washer reservoir full and always have a spare bottle on hand.

6. Check your lights: Make sure all lights are working properly.

7. Prepare an Emergency Box: In case of an emergency, prepare a box for your trunk with ice melt or kitty litter (for traction), a jug of windshield washer solvent, a flashlight with fresh batteries, road flares or a reflective signaling device, a new ice scraper, and a shovel. Keep an extra container with extra socks, a warm blanket, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks in case you're stranded.

8. Keep Your Cell Phone Charged: Always keep your cell phone charged, especially during inclement weather. Keep a charger in your car as well.

9. Consider Giving Car Wash Coupons: Give the gift of visibility! Consider giving a book of car wash coupons to your favorite driver, which will help them keep their windshield clear and stay safe on the road.

10. Get Organized: Make sure you have all the contact numbers you need in your phone. Remember to have your insurance information and your registration. Your auto club may ask for membership number, your license plate number and your make and model and year when you call.

Take the time to prepare your car and emergency supplies, so you can travel safely this winter! #WinterCarCare #ColdWeatherPrep #SafeTravels #WinterReady #WinterCarTips #DriveSafe