Are Your Vehicles Winter Ready?

December 1st, 2017

Winter is quickly approaching and it is time to start getting your vehicles ready..

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

Winter is quickly approaching and it is time to start getting your vehicles ready for the harsh weather.  One thing that always seems to get me every year is lack of windshield washer fluid.  You’ll be driving along on snowy day and the salt and water from the road splash up.  You turn on the wipers only to realize it smears on the windshield causing next to zero visibility.  Washer fluid is definitely needed to remove this kind of grime.  Make sure to keep an extra container available in the vehicle.  When purchasing windshield washer fluid, make sure to get an all-season washer fluid so that it does not freeze during the frigid temperatures.  While you’re at it, go ahead and check the washer blades for wear and tear and replace as needed.

If your battery is a few years old, it would be a good idea to have it tested.  Colder weather is much harsher on a battery and a weak battery can become a dead battery very quickly.  Take a look at the terminals and remove any corrosion to ensure a good connection.

If you have not had the coolant changed according to the manual recommendations, you may want to consider a flush and fill.  If the maintenance is up to date, you should still check for leaks, check the coolant level, and top it off if needed.  This is very crucial because the coolant, also called antifreeze, keeps the engine from freezing during the cold temperatures. Another important item to check is the tires.  Worn tires are very dangerous during the winter months.  Make sure that the tread is fine and that there is no uneven wear.  Check the tire pressure and make sure that it is set to the manufactures’ recommended pressure.  This is important and should be done about once a month.  While you’re doing this, do not forget to inspect the spare tire as well.

You may also want to consider keeping a survival kit within the vehicle in case of breakdowns.  This should consist of items such as blankets, flares, gloves, flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables and cell phone charger. Driving in the winter is much more dangerous. To keep things safe, you may also want to inspect these other things as well:

  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Oil
  • Filters
  • Heater and Defroster

If you need help finding a licensed maintenance company to maintain your vehicles, feel free to contact SafeSourcing.   We can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which company meets your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

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