8 Tips for Winter Driving

Winter is one of the toughest seasons on a vehicle. If you want your vehicle to continue to run well all season and make things easier on yourself, there are a few simple steps you can take. Use these tips to prep your car for winter so all you have to worry about is staying warm.

Winter Tire Prep

1. Get winter tires. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, then winter tires can help keep you safe on the slick roads. All season tires are not the same and you may even need winter tires on all four of your wheels.
2. Get a battery test. You may not need a new battery, but it is better to have your battery tested just to be sure. During the winter, your battery has to work harder than it does during other seasons and you should make sure your battery is going to be reliable all season with a free test.
3. Get some extra floor mats. This is something that most people do not think about getting before winter but they can come in very handy if you get stuck in the snow. You can use them to gain traction and get your car out of the snow.
4. Get a roadside assistance membership. You never know when you are going to need help when you are driving and you are more likely to need it during the winter. You can usually add this to your auto insurance policy but you can also get one that is completely separate and does not cost a lot of money. It is better to have this in your back pocket than find yourself stranded in the cold.

5. Create your car emergency kit. Things are unpredictable on the road and you should consider making a car emergency kit that includes things like a flashlight, a blanket, food and water, and other things you may need in the winter if you get stranded.
6. Get your oil changed. If you live in a particularly cold environment, you may need to have a different type of oil put in your car for winter. You should be getting this performed regularly but you should also know if you need a thinner oil for winter. Check your owner manual and get your oil changed before it gets too cold.
7. Get a basic tune-up. While you should also be getting this done on a regular basis, it is a good idea to get it done before winter to ensure everything is working the way it should be. The last thing you want is to find out there is something wrong with your vehicle in the cold of winter.
8. Change your windshield wipers and fluid. You want to have fluids that can keep up with the freezing temperatures and you should have new windshield wipers that can help you maintain visibility when driving in the snow.

Your vehicle is something that you want to ensure you have access to all season long. Taking these steps will help you ensure that your vehicle will not only be safe but you will be able to take care of issues as they pop up.

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