How to Prepare Your Car for Winter
As the weather gets colder, it is advisable to prepare the car for winter. Even if you don’t switch to winter tires, there are a few preventative steps you can take to ensure that you, your passengers, and your vehicle are as safe as possible. Here are some tips for winterizing your vehicle.
Check tire pressure
If you live in an area where it snows regularly and do not prefer to put on winter tires every winter season, at least make sure your tires are properly inflated. It turns out that due to the cold, the air pressure in the tires drops. According to the art of masculinity :
For every 10 degrees of temperature drop, the tire pressure will drop approximately 1 psi. A properly inflated tire provides the best contact between the road and the tires, which is essential for safe grip when driving in winter conditions.
Buy a snow / ice scraper
Most likely, you have somewhere in your closet or basement (or possibly in your trunk) a snow and ice scraper left over from yesteryear. Find it and make sure it is intact and easily accessible in your vehicle. Otherwise, treat yourself to a new one.
Put on all weather wipers.
Replace the conventional wiper blade on the brush , intended for protection from rain, sleet, snow and ice. While you are doing this, top up with windshield wiper fluid – especially one that works well in freezing temperatures.
Check your battery
Not only does cold weather drain your battery, your engine needs more power to start on a cold day. To avoid getting stuck, have a mechanic check the battery level or do it yourself with a battery tester.
Assemble an emergency kit
What do you need if you are stuck somewhere in the snow and / or minus? There are the basics – like a first aid kit, blankets, and patch cables – but there are many other options to consider, from hand warmer gel packs to an extra backup battery for your cell phone. For inspiration, check out what our readers store in their cars . This article was originally published in November 2010 and updated on October 21, 2020 by Elizabeth Yuko to provide additional tips, update outdated links, add a new header photo, and align content with current Lifehacker style.