Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winters can be treacherous. The terrible weather conditions can reduce driving ability, making it more likely for crashes to occur. Fortunately, there are steps that drivers can take to protect themselves on the road by winterizing their vehicle. Of course, some of the things you do can protect your vehicle’s looks, but safety is most imperative, and these tips can help you avoid a severe accident.

Focus On Your Tires

Tire pressure and tread; two of the most important aspects for your tires. Your tire tread impacts the amount of traction you have and how well your vehicle controls on icy or snowy ground. The lower your tread, the more dangerous it is on the road. If your tire tread is low, make sure you replace them.

While speaking of replacing your tires, if you are planning on traveling in a lot of snow, it may help to consider snow tires to help ensure you can keep control of your vehicle.

It’s important to keep in mind that snow tires aren’t magic. Just because you’re using snow tires doesn’t mean your vehicle won’t be able to slip and slide on icy winter roads. You must still be very cautious driving in the snow, but you’re more likely to maintain control on snowy and icy roads with the proper tires.

Test Your Four-Wheel-Drive

Be sure to have a mechanic check on your vehicle’s four-wheel-drive capabilities before the winter weather begins. A mechanic will be able to make sure your vehicle’s system operates without a hitch. In addition, make sure you remember how to use your car’s four-wheel-drive system if it’s been a while since you’ve used it.

Keep Your Visibility

One of the most important things you can do is ensure you have good windshield wipers. Wear and tear can cause significant streaking, as well as prevent you from being able to see when rain or snow falls. You should also treat your windows when you can to ensure you lessen the frost and ice impact.

It’s important to be sure that the windshield wiper fluid you’re using has a low freezing temperature. That way, your wiper fluid won’t go solid in freezing temperatures.

Check Your Battery

Your battery keeps you on the road. However, when it dies, it can be a big problem. Check your battery often to maximize its lifespan. A dead battery can leave you stranded, or you may even run into a bigger problem on the road.

Ask your mechanic to run a battery load test to determine whether you need to replace your car’s battery. Even if you don’t need to replace your battery, it’s still a good idea to have a mechanic take a look so they can check for and clean up any corrosion present on the posts and connections. It’s also possible for your mechanic to refill your battery with distilled water if necessary.

Inspect Your Anti-Freeze Mixture

You should have roughly a 50:50 mixture of anti-freeze and water in your radiator to prevent it from freezing. In order to check your mixture, you’ll need an anti-freeze tester that your local auto parts store should have available for purchase.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Put together an emergency kit with winter supplies to help ensure you are good in case you find yourself stuck on the side of the road. Some of the items you want to have include:

• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Phone charger
• Tire inflator and patch kit
• Blankets
• Flashlight
• Water
• Roadside flares and/or a reflective triangle
• MREs (meals ready to eat)
• Ice scraper
• Tow strap
• Folding shovel
• Portable air compressor

Our Long Island car accident attorneys at The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. are here if you find yourself suffering an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. Let us be the voice to help you pursue justice and the compensation you need and deserve.

Call us at (631) 752-8580 today.