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Preparing Your Car for Winter Weather

Sep 15, 2014

As any Game of Thrones fan can tell you, “Winter is Coming.” And with the recent overnight lows in the 30’s, it is safe to say that winter will be here sooner than we would like. With that in mind, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the cold months ahead.

Let’s talk tires. Tires are one of the single most important safety inspection items on your vehicle because they are what connect your vehicle to the road. At a minimum, you should have your tires inspected for adequate tread depth and to ensure that the tires are wearing evenly. The State of New Hampshire requires a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch, which is not very much. If your tires are getting down around 3/32 or 4/32, ask yourself if you really want to be driving on icy roads with tires that are on their way out. You might also want to consider getting snow tires. Snow tires provide better traction than all-season tires due to a combination of a more aggressive tread pattern, and a softer rubber compound. The result is a tire that grips winter roads exceptionally well.

Those cold nights and chilly, dark mornings make it hard for all of us to wake up and get going, and your car is no exception. If your battery is old and/or has a weak charge, you may find yourself unable to get your car started after an especially cold night. Be sure to have your battery tested to make sure that it will start right up.

Because the cold is so tough on your vehicle, make sure to have all of your fluids checked to keep your ride in tip-top shape. Speaking of fluids, you will definitely need wiper fluid to maintain good visibility through your windshield. Windshield wipers also wear out over time and end of smearing the glass rather than wiping the glass. Try wiping the windshield and check the glass for streak or smudges. If your windshield is not crystal clear after you use your wipers, it is probably time to get new wiper blades.

And above all else, remember to drive safely this winter; those roads can be nasty.