How to Prep Your Car for Winter Safety

Preparing Your Car for Winter 

While you should always be on top of your vehicle’s maintenance, we have a few tips to ensure that your car is ready for the winter! 

• Test Your Battery — As the temperature begins to fall, your car battery is likely to lose a bit of capacity. It is important to test your battery to ensure that it is properly working, otherwise, you risk a stalled vehicle. 
• Cooling System — Your vehicle’s cooling system is what controls its temperature. To avoid your vehicle from becoming too cold or overheating, make sure that your coolant system is up to par. 
• Winter Tires — If you can afford them, purchase some winter tires that have a deep and flexible thread for better grip on the road. 
• If using seasonal tires, make sure that there is still sufficient tread on the tire. 
• It’s important to check tire pressure levels as they tend to drop in colder weather. 
• Wiper Blades — Wiper blades are essential for seeing properly during snowfall or rain. Check that your blades are working well and replace them if necessary. 
  • Also, make sure to use wiper fluid that is rated for up to -30 degree of weather. 

Things To Do Before Driving Off 

There are a few important things to keep in mind before driving off during the winter months. 

• Properly clean all of your windows and mirror, as well as any cameras that assist you while driving. 
• Remove dirt, ice, and snow from sensors to allow your vehicle’s assistive driving features to work properly. 
• Warm up your car properly. 
• Never leave your vehicle running while in a garage as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• If the forecast looks dangerous, try to wait out the storm before driving.

Tips for Avoiding A Crash 

Winter driving requires specific skills and knowledge compared to other seasons. 

• Avoid using cruise control during snowy conditions as you must be in control of your car at all times. 
• If ever in a skid, steer in the direction of a skid, so that when your wheel regains traction you do not have to overcorrect to stay in your lane. 
• Increase the following distance by around 10 seconds so that you can have enough time to break in case of an emergency. 
• If possible, avoid stopping your vehicle when going uphill as your car can lose traction and slide backward. 

If Ever in A Crash 

If you are ever in a crash and require assistance from a car accident attorney, there is no better team in Maryland to work with than Murphy Falcon Murphy. We have helped thousands of individuals in car accident cases receive the proper funding they deserve. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to make your situation right and get the best possible outcome for you!