Now that the calendar has turned to December, winter weather is on its way. Before it gets here, it is important to winterize your vehicle. If you are handy with cars, you can do it yourself, or you can take you car to a garage to complete these tasks.
Here are the items you need to do to winterize your car.
- Check the fluids.
Whether it is antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, or oil, your car’s fluids should be replaced and/or topped off to the recommended levels. (Check your manual if you are not sure what those levels are.)
- Test the battery.
There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere when your car will not start because of a dead battery. If necessary, replace the battery before you end up stranded out in the cold.
- Look at the tires.
Newer cars have an indicator if tire pressure is getting low, but it is better to be proactive and check the pressure before it can dip below recommended levels. Also, because driving on snowy and icy roads will soon be a reality, make sure your tires do not need replaced before the winter weather gets here. Do not forget to check the spare tire also.
- Replace incidentals, as necessary.
The incidentals include headlights, taillights, and wiper blades. There are less hours of sunlight in the winter so your lights will be used more frequently. Make sure no bulbs are dim or out. As for wiper blades, no one likes a squeaky blade or one that does not clean the windshield well enough for you to see.
- Create or update your vehicle’s emergency kit.
Flares, jumper cables, blankets, snacks, water, and salt or kitty litter should be in your emergency kit. Hopefully, you never need them but pack them just in case you do.
- Put umbrellas and ice scrapers in easily accessible place.
Sometimes these items are either removed from the car or put in the trunk during warmer weather months. You want these to be easily accessible, so you do not have to get out of the car to try to locate them.
- Make sure your roadside assistance membership is up to date.
Do not wait until you need to call for help to find out that your membership has lapsed or expired, or even worse that you do not know where your card and information are.
- Aside from wiper fluid, clean your windshields and windows often.
Dirty windshields and windows fog up faster so keeping them clean both makes your car look better and function better.
- Test your heat and defrost systems.
Maybe it has been too mild or dry to use heat or defrost yet but take a few minutes to use both while your car is running in your driveway.
The best way to prepare for winter is to be proactive. Your vehicle is valuable and vital to your life so treat it well to reduce the chances of it not working for you during the cold winter months.
From all of us at Keystone-Deibler, Straub & Troutman Insurance we hope you have a safe winter season and, as always, we are here and ready to assist residents of E-ville, Halifax, Millersburg, Line Mountain, Upper Dauphin and the surrounding area with all their home and car insurance needs.
