As vibrant autumn leaves begin to fall, Midwesterners are being persistently reminded that winter is just around the corner. That means – in addition to the lovely characteristics of the season – harsh weather, icy roads and challenging driving conditions.
If you’re living in the Midwest, preparing your car for winter can help you to better ensure safety on the roads generally, and avoid accidents specifically, during the snowy months. October is the perfect time to start winterizing your vehicle. The following are a few things you can do to get started.
Check your tires
Cold weather often causes tires to lose pressure. You’ll want to check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it whenever necessary. Additionally, you’ll want to consider switching to winter tires, especially if you live in an area that experiences particularly heavy snowfall or frequent icy conditions. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction and control, reducing the risk of skidding or losing control of your vehicle.
Don’t forget to check the tread on your tires as well. Tires with worn-out treads can be dangerous in wet or slippery conditions, as they don’t provide adequate grip. If your tire treads are too shallow, it may be time to replace them.
Other key concerns
Cold weather can be tough on your car’s battery, especially if it’s already nearing the end of its lifespan. Car batteries tend to lose power more quickly in cold temperatures, which can lead to difficulty starting your vehicle on frigid mornings. Before the first frost, have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a charge. If your battery is more than three years old, you may want to consider replacing it before winter hits.
Finally, replacing your wiper blades before winter begins can improve your visibility and make driving in bad weather safer. Consider using heavy-duty winter wiper blades that are designed to handle ice and snow buildup.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to make sure that your car is in excellent shape all around before snow starts to fly. In doing so, you’ll better ensure that you remain safe when traveling Midwestern roads this winter.