Winter is here, but it’s not too late to get your car ready if you didn’t have time to get it done before the snow started flying. Years ago, winterizing your car was necessary to keep it running and in good shape during the cold winter months. Fortunately, modern vehicles don’t need the same extensive routines. However, there are some things you can do to ensure your car keeps running throughout the season. Try some of these winterizing tips.

Check the Battery

The battery is essential to getting your car started, but when the temperature drops, the chemicals needed to generate power in the battery slow down. The lower the temperature, the lower amp-hour capacity a battery has. It’s a good idea to make sure your battery is working to its full capacity before it gets cold so you start with a full charge. Your mechanic can also check for corrosion as well as the connections to make sure everything is in good working order.

Check Your Wiper Blades

To ensure that you don’t get caught in a snowstorm with wiper blades that won’t clear your windshield, check your wiper blades before winter arrives. Wiper blades wear down over time, and they usually only work for about a year. You might even want to purchase winter wipers that will work better than regular wipers in the cold weather.

Also, remember to check your windshield wiper fluid. Top it off if it’s getting low with a brand of fluid that has a lower freezing temperature so you’ll always have a clear windshield no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Bring an Emergency Pack

There are some items you should keep in your car at all times during the winter. You never know when you might run into a snowstorm or even get stranded on the side of the road. Be prepared by packing an emergency kit filled with blankets, jumper cables, a fully-charged cellphone, a flashlight, granola bars or power bars, and a shovel. You should also keep bottles of water in your car, a first aid kit, and a bag of kitty litter or sand.

Check the Tires

Check the tread on your tires for wear and tear, or even swap out those all-season tires for winter tires. Snow tires are a better tire for those who live in areas where it gets very cold in the winter. The rubber compounds in all-season tires harden when the temps drop, making it more difficult to grip the road. Snow tires use special compounds designed to delay this hardening, and they have different tread patterns designed to provide better traction on slippery, snow-covered roads.

Follow these tips to winterize your car, and you’ll be prepared to handle almost any weather that this brisk season throws at you. You’ll also want to keep up with the regular maintenance on your vehicle. This is essential to keeping it in good shape any time of year.

Image via Flickr by Anton Vakulenko

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