10 Winter Maintenance & Safe Driving Tips

 

According to a 2018 Study by The Weather Channel, Weather-Related Vehicle accidents kill more people annually than large-scale weather disasters. 

We all know the cold hard truth about our country; our Winters can be long, frigid, and unforgiving. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to prepare your vehicle for the winter months in order to reduce the risk of accidents, and it doesn’t just start and end with installing Winter Tires. 

Here are some additional safety tips you should consider when it comes to preparing your vehicle for those cold snowy months to come: 

1. 
   Monitor your Tire Pressure

 

Ensure your tires are filled adequately to offer the best possible performance and grip on the road. It’s vital to understand that each time the temperature drops by 6 degrees celsius, your tire pressure will reflect that and drop by one pound per square inch. For this reason, it’s important to periodically assess your tire pressure throughout the winter months.

2. Maximize your Visibility

Windshield Wiper manufacturers recommended that you replace your windshield wipers twice per year to ensure they are performing at peak efficiency. Applying an Anti-rain treatment such as Rain-X is another way you can ensure maximum visibility. An anti-rain treatment can also help to fortify your vehicle's windshield from icy conditions which can affect its water-repellant efficiency.

3. 
   Keep your Fuel Level High

Driving with a low fuel level can be damaging to your vehicle in cold weather. Keeping your fuel level high will reduce the risk of any of your ducts freezing. 

4. 
   Change your Cabin Filter

Often overlooked but something that should be changed regularly is your vehicle's cabin filter. A cabin filter plays a key role in the quality of the air in your car, especially during the winter when the humidity fluctuates greatly. 

5. Consider Purchasing All-Weather Floor mats 

When water or snow soaks the carpets inside a vehicle, the humidity level rises considerably, leading to increased condensation and fogged-up windows. Purchasing All-Weather Floor Mats can help you avoid this dillema as well as protect your carpets from salt stains.

6. Avoid Thermal Shock 

The frequent changes in temperature both inside and outside your car have a considerable effect on various components of the vehicle in addition to the windshield. A gradual warming up of your vehicle can help you avoid having to make some minor repairs that may have otherwise been unneeded. Before heading out for a drive in cold weather, experts strongly advise warming up your vehicle for approximately three minutes. 

7. Take a close look at your Battery 

Cold temperatures can weaken a vehicle’s battery. Before the winter hits, ensure your battery has no traces of corrosion and that the cables are firmly fastened. You can also have your battery tested and verified by a professional at the beginning of the season to help ensure worry-free starts. 

8. Consider Installing a Remote Starter

Having a remote starter installed in your vehicle can provide a long list of benefits in addition to keeping you warm and being a highly desirable convenience feature. Remote Starters can offer significant perks in terms of safety and long-term engine performance. 

9. Check and Double-Check your Brakes

Making sure your front AND rear brakes are in optimal condition before the ice and snow arrives is CRITICAL to your driving safety during the Winter. Trying to stop a vehicle with worn-out brakes on an icy road may end poorly for you. 

10. Verify Anti-Freeze Levels 

Anti-Freeze is a crucial element in maintaining the optimal temperature while a vehicle is on the road. Professionals recommend a complete emptying of a vehicle’s cooling system on a regular basis. 

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