Winter weather is just around the corner and before you know it, Michigan’s roads will turn into slushy, slippery weather. Now is the time to prep your car for winter driving with the following tips.
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Check Your Vehicle’s Battery
A dead battery can be extremely inconvenient at any time of the year. But, when it happens during the winter, you could be left stranded on the side of the road, cold. Extremely cold temperatures can put added strain on the battery. Before the temperatures get too cold, test your vehicle’s battery. Look for corroded wires and spray some terminal lube on them to prevent corrosion buildup. You can also check the fit of the battery cables, ensuring that they are tight. If your battery consistently needs to be charged, then you might consider replacing it now.
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Schedule Any Required Maintenance
If you have been putting off vehicle maintenance, now is the time to schedule it. If you need any preventative maintenance, like tire rotations or your spark plugs changed, you will want to have it done before winter. This often includes things like checking the wiper fluids and oil levels. Your technician will also give your vehicle a full inspection, including your brakes, which are especially important on cold, slippery roads. They might also flip on the heat and ensure that it is ready to go.
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Create an Emergency Kit
Despite taking certain precautions to prep your vehicle for winter driving, it is still possible to break down. This is why it is a good idea to create an emergency kit ahead of time and leave it in your vehicle’s trunk. Include items like a first aid kit, an extra battery for your phone, a blanket, and some water. Some people even choose to include a pair of clothes, so you can keep warm if your vehicle breaks down in the cold.
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Swap Out Your Tires
If your vehicle currently has summer tires, now is the time to swap them out for winter tires. Having the right pair of tires will give you the traction you need to tackle winter roads. While some vehicles come with all-season tires, winter tires are often recommended, especially if you live in parts of the state with a lot of snow. If you prefer to keep the same tires on your vehicle year-round, then you might consider all-weather tires. All-weather tires tend to perform better on winter roads than all-season tires do.
Even if you’re not swapping out your tires, you’ll want to check your tire pressure. Maintaining good tire pressure is important for traction and safety. Rotating your tires can also help you get more miles on them, but you should always replace tires that have low treads.
Whether you’re prepared for winter or not, it will soon be here. Get your vehicle ready for winter by scheduling an inspection with Mike Dorian Ford Inc. and checking your car battery. Taking these steps now will ensure that you’re prepared for the most wintry of roads.
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