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Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

December 15, 2010  |  Aquapel, Chip Repair, Windshield Replacement, Windshield Wipers

Ooh baby it’s cold outside…with winter upon us it is important to have your vehicles prepared for cold weather, snow and ice.  Below is a checklist of items that will help prepare you for safe driving in winter weather:

Maintenance

  • Check the treads on your tires to ensure best traction.  Check tire pressure for best handling.
  • Check antifreeze - should be a 60:40 coolant-to-water ratio.
  • Replace worn wiper blades and fill windshield washer fluid.
  • Perform regular maintenance, such as oil changes (use winter weight oil in cold climates).
  • Have your battery checked to ensure that all cells are full of water.  Keep all battery terminals and cable ends clean, and make sure the battery is well grounded.
  • Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
  • Check belts and hoses for fraying and cracking; replace as necessary.
  • Repair any chips in the windshield to prevent spreading for better visibility.

Ice/Snow Removal

  • Remove all snow and ice from vehicle prior to driving, including hood, windshield, roof and back glass.
  • Operate windshield wipers to ensure they are not frozen prior to driving.
  • Run front and rear window defrosters to clear windshield/back glass to ensure good visibility.

Emergency Kit for Vehicle

  • Cell phone/Charger
  • Basic tool box
  • Blanket/Sleeping bag
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight/Extra batteries
  • Hat/Gloves
  • Ice scraper/Brush
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares/Reflective hazard triangles
  • Small metal shovel
  • Portable car battery charger
  • Spare tire/Fix-A-Flat
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter/Traction pads or pieces of carpeting
  • Bottled water/Food