Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

Living in northeast Ohio has its benefits, such as a lower cost of living, enjoying all four seasons, and being predominantly safe from most severe weather conditions. The biggest downfall is that it gets really cold and snows a lot. With the roads taking the brunt of the snow, ice and salt, another asset tackling winter weather head-on is our vehicles. Here at Greenwood’s Hubbard Chevrolet, we’re providing you with a to-do list and some items to get you and your vehicle ready for winter.

Prepare Early

With the rapid temperature swings from warm to cold and back again, you should start getting your vehicle prepared now by making sure your car is clean inside and out. Wash the vehicle thoroughly, including the undercarriage, removing dirt and grime so there’s no build-up when snow and ice arrive. Clean the vehicle’s interior and make sure you have plenty of room to store important items and keep those items protected from the cold. Everyone should have a survival kit or container filled with essentials in case of an emergency including, a warm blanket, gloves, hat, jumper cables, phone charger, first aid kit, bag of road salt, collapsible shovel, flashlight, and defroster spray for windows. These items can help you in an emergency situation. Keeping these items in the trunk is beneficial, and they won’t take up much space. You may also want to invest in some weather-proof rubber mats to prevent damage and wear and tear. They’re easier to clean and help protect the floor underneath.

 

Test Your Battery and Other Precautions

You should also get your battery tested to make sure it’s not going bad and will be able to start your car in freezing temperatures. For those unable to keep their vehicle in a garage or covered area protected from the harsh weather, you should make sure your window tracks are lubricated. This can be done with a dry, teflon spray to prevent the window from freezing shut which causes damage. We also recommend checking your tire pressure, tread depth, and the overall condition of the tires. Windshield wipers are another often overlooked, but very important wintertime car accessory. You should make sure they’re clean and replace them if they have cracks or look worn out. 

 

Get Under the Hood

It’s also important to look under the hood. Check your oil level and add more if it’s needed. You should also top-off the antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and remember to keep your gas tank over half a tank at all times. You shouldn’t let it get too low or close to empty because it can cause the fuel line to freeze up. 

Ice, snow, and the cold temperatures are some of our vehicles’ worst enemies during winter months. Follow these tips to prepare your car for the worst and keep you and your passengers safe!

Tags: winter driving, winter prep
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