Cold Weather Driving Tips

The Holiday season is a hectic one, which is why it is important to make sure that your vehicle is ready for all of your adventures. Taking a little time now to check your car’s vital systems and fluid condition can make a huge difference in getting to your destination in one piece and arriving ready to enjoy the festivities. Here are a few ways to ready your car (and yourself) for the holiday road trips.

1) Schedule your vehicle for a service:

With your vehicle about to hit the road, it’s important to make sure that everything’s running smoothly. There are a few key areas to which you should pay special attention.

Fluids: The various fluids under the hood keep your vehicle operating as designed by the manufacturer, which means it’s vital to check and change them if necessary. Your vehicles engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid all breakdown over time, but a quick fluid analysis can let you know if your fluids are ready for the holiday road trip. It is also a great idea to make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is good to go when freezing weather hits.‍

Coolant system: Extreme temperatures force the coolant system to work overtime. Have the antifreeze, hoses, and radiator checked.  ‍
Windshield wipers: Bad windshield wipers can make driving in the rain the stuff of nightmares. If your blades are more than six months old, odds are it’s time to swap them out for new ones.

Tires: Have your tires rotated and inspected. The last thing you need in cold, wet weather is to be driving on bald tires. Now is a great time to double check the tire pressure against the manufacturer’s specifications when they’re nice and cold, and add air if needed. This helps with fuel economy as well.

2. Make an Emergency Kit:‍

Even with the best made plans, emergencies do happen. When temperatures dip, having vehicle trouble can go from an inconvenience to a danger. Make sure to stock up your vehicle for that ‘just in case’ moment with the the proper supplies.

‍Things to help you get out of trouble: Jumper cables, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, and emergency flares or lights.  

Tools that can help in many situations: Flashlight, small knife, ice scraper, and rope.

Things to keep you comfortable in case you are sitting for awhile: Blankets, energy bars, water, waterproof matches, first-aid kit, and gloves.

Spending a little time now preparing your vehicle will make all of your drives easier this year.

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