Winter weather can bring snow, rain, ice, and cold temperatures, all of which affect your car and how it drives. Just as our wardrobes shift from swimsuits, flip-flops, and sunglasses to fluffy coats, mittens, and snow pants, our cars need to be prepared for the season. Our driving habits should shift, too. For example, brake earlier on slippery roads to prevent accidents. It is also important to stay alert for other drivers and animals on the road, especially when a snowstorm, rainstorm, or fog makes it difficult to see.
A little preparation now, before the first big storm arrives, can go a long way toward keeping you and your passengers safe on the road.
So what should you check on your car? L&L Repair recommends inspecting the tires, battery, coolant, cabin air filter, and windshield wipers, and keeping an up-to-date emergency kit. Here is a closer look at each one.
Tires
Tires wear out over time, and on slick winter roads it is essential to have adequate tread and the right type of tire. Tread is the pattern of grooves that gives your tires traction on the road. If there is not enough tread, the car has a higher risk of losing traction and causing an accident.
There are two ways to make sure you have the proper tires for each season: switching from summer tires to snow tires, or buying all-weather tires. All-weather tires can be worn year-round, in snow, rain, or sunshine. Snow tires are made to stay more flexible in cold weather, but they are not ideal for warm weather.
You can also increase traction with snow socks, which are becoming more popular, or with snow chains. Snow socks should be worn only in snowy conditions because driving on dry roads can shred them. Snow chains wrap around your tires to add traction, but if they are installed improperly, they can fly off and into oncoming traffic. Make sure your chains are installed correctly to avoid injury or damage to your car. If any of your tires are worn out or lack good tread, contact a professional like L&L Repair to have them replaced.
Battery, Coolant, Filter, and Wipers
Batteries do not like temperature swings, whether hot to cold or cold to hot, so it is important to check the battery and charging system before winter. L&L Repair can do this by attaching a tester to both terminals of the battery to get a reading.
Next, make sure the coolant is full. Coolant protects the engine from overheating and keeps the heater working.
The cabin air filter should be changed at least once a year. L&L Repair recommends changing it in early spring, but if you missed it, do it before winter arrives.
Windshield wipers sit on hot glass all summer, and when wet weather comes, they can fail to clean properly and leave streaks. Check that yours are working, are not leaving streaks, and are clearing the windshield fully. Do not forget to check the rear wiper, too!
Emergency Kit
It is always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. For winter driving, a good kit includes, but is not limited to:
- Snow socks or snow chains (and the knowledge to use them)
- Jumper cables
- Snow scraper
- Shovel
- Blankets
- Gloves, hat, and coat
- Flashlight and headlamps
- First aid kit
Taking the time to check these few things can help prevent a breakdown or an accident when the weather turns. Come get your car ready for this winter with L&L Repair! Stay safe, and happy holidays.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
