Safety Winter Tips

It’s finally starting to feel like fall and for most, that means bonfires, cozy sweaters, and colorful leaves. However, it also means we’re approaching cold weather and hazardous road conditions. It’s important to prepare, so we’ve compiled some tips for ensuring your safety on the road in these colder months. Not only are these tips for keeping you safe on the roads during the winter months they will help ensure the longevity of your automobile by keeping up with some general maintenance.

1. Check the operation of your car’s lights. Replace any dysfunctional bulbs in your headlights, taillights, brake lights, parking lights, and hazards.

2. Check the tires and brakes. Snow and ice require good tires and strong brakes, so it’s a good idea to swing by your local brake and tire shop to have them evaluated.

3. Monitor your tire pressure. Tire pressure drops when it gets colder outside. Be sure to check the recommended tire pressure inscribed on your vehicle’s tires or inside the door.

4. Check your wiper blades. Driving in the snow is annoying, but driving in the snow with junky wiper blades is even worse. They’re inexpensive to replace, usually $20 or less for a pair.

5. Check your car’s battery charge. A technician can inspect your car’s battery and charging system. Cold weather can be hard on batteries – They lose about 60% of their strength at 0°F, according to AAA’s Automotive Research Center.

6. Check your car’s defroster and heating systems. This one’s easy: It’s cold, so you need to keep warm with functioning heat. You’ll also need working defrost settings to clear the windows before heading off to work in the mornings.

7. Maintain a full coolant level. Check the coolant reservoir regularly and if it’s low, fill it up with a 50/50 solution of coolant (antifreeze) and water.

8. Wash your car with LXR before it gets too cold. No one likes washing their car when it gets chilly outside, so it’s a good idea to give your vehicle a good detail. LXR is an all-in-one formula, cleaning everything on the exterior while depositing a clear, protective layer. It’ll stay cleaner longer, too, so you won’t have to worry about washing it too often.

9. Get a general car checkup. Check everything under the hood – Loose clamps, brittle hoses, fraying drive belts, oil levels, fluid levels, and air filters.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your automobile prepared and safe during the cold and winter months.