The winter months are quickly approaching and everyone knows that means one thing – cold weather. In New Hampshire, the temperatures regularly reach below freezing from December to February. Those types of temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can pose a serious threat to your vehicles as well. This winter, use these five tips to prepare your vehicle for cold weather and avoid being a hazard on the road.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Treads
When it’s snowing and sleeting, driving is dangerous. One precaution you can take to avoid accidents is to make sure you have properly maintained tires. When it gets cold, tires typically deflate causing them to lose traction. Likewise, over time, tire treads fade and make it harder for your car to grip the road. Before the cold weather hits, make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have the right amount of tread. Most experts recommend a tire tread of 6/32”.
2. Refill The Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
When the temperatures get low, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing and engine coolant keeps your car from overheating when it’s working hard. Before the first snowfall, it is essential to check the levels of these substances so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
3. Get An Oil Change
Carmakers recommend that car owners get an oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles. However, it is always a good idea to get your oil changed no matter how long it’s been when the weather turns cold. A fresh oil change helps ensure that your car is in its best working condition when it needs to work the hardest.
4. Create An Emergency Kit
Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit in the backseat of their car for accidents and bad weather conditions. If its snowing and your car is stranded, it is recommended that you stay inside your vehicle so help can find you. Recommended items for emergency car kits include:
Bottled water
Matches
Jumper cables
Extra coolant
Blanket
Hats and gloves
Flashlights
Snacks
Salt (to melt the snow)
A kit with these items will help you combat the cold weather and help you survive a situation where you are stranded.
5. Replace Your Wiper Blades
Once it starts snowing, fresh and clean wiper blades are essential for driving. Dirty wiper blades are ineffective at clearing snow and can easily create poor visibility. If you are not able to see through the snow, sleet or ice, you are more likely to get in an accident. New wiper blades can be purchased at almost any auto parts store and you can install them yourself. Or, you can take your car to the repair shop or dealership and they will install the new blades for you.
At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you to have a safe and happy winter season. However, if the weather turns bad and you find yourself in a car accident, we’re here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases and can help you win the settlement you deserve. Call 630-647-2600 for a free case overview or contact us online today.