Essential Steps To Take Before Driving in The Winter

By on February 26, 2018

This article is sponsored by Strong Volkswagen. Visit Strong Volkswagen in Salt Lake City for a variety of new & used cars, parts, service, and financing. We are a full-service dealership, ready to meet you and earn your business. Make driving in the winter fun this year with a new car from Strong Volkswagen.

 


With winter in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your vehicle, if you haven’t already. Just how important is this winterizing your car? It is a critical step in car maintenance, not only for the longevity of your car but the safety of you and your passengers.

 

 

Here are 5 ways to ensure the safety of you and your passengers this winter. Remember it’s never too late.

1. Listen

Does it take a few turns of the key to getting your car to fire up? How does it sound on cold winter mornings? If anything sounds off, it is a good idea to get your battery checked. Cold weather is hard on car batteries and can deplete their life causing it to completely die. You don’t want to be stuck with a dead battery when you’re trying to get to work on time.

2. Look

Next, check visibility. This is an important way to keep you and your passengers safe. Make sure you don’t have windshield, window or mirror cracks that hinder your ability to see surrounding cars and pedestrians. If your vision in obstructed, get it fixed as soon as possible.

Lights are another important part of this piece. With winter weather, comes different levels of light. Test your lights to make sure they all work, well. From brights to fog lights and everything in between. You need to see and be seen by other drivers.

3. Check

Best practice for winterizing your vehicle calls for filling or replacing all fluids to ensure everything is ready to go for all of your winter adventures, or your everyday commute. This is also a great time to catch small leaks and fix any problems that may arise.

4. Inspect

The functionality of brakes. You do this by driving. Does something feel off when trying to slow down? Once again, best to get it checked by a professional. A brake problem does not always require a complete replacement, but its best to keep brakes fresh for your safety and the safety of others around you.

5. Observe

Last, pay attention to the functionality of your tires. No matter your favorite winter activity, having safe tires will benefit anyone, from the backcountry skier to the daily commuter. Tires are essential for safety when driving on wet or frozen roads. If you are a winter sports enthusiast or spend a lot of time driving in the snow, snow tires may be a great option for you. Ask your car professional.

You’ve done your self-inspection. Now it’s time to take that information and make an appointment to get your car winterized or checked out if anything felt off.

BONUS

Pack.

Having an emergency kit in your car could save your life. Drivers are more likely to experience a car-related emergency during the winter because of colder temperatures and storms. Include the following in your kit:

  • Flashlight
  • Emergency reflective blanket
  • Warm clothes (hat, gloves etc.)
  • Cat litter or sand (to help you create traction if you are stuck)
  • Small shovel
  • Snacks (Calorically dense bars, nuts etc.)
  • Bottled water
  • Cell phone charger
  • First aid kit
  • Flare
  • Utility tool
  • Windshield ice scraper

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