Even for kids who love school, there’s something exciting about a snow day. Growing up in the Midwest, I loved to look out the window to see the streets covered in thick white snow and know the only thing me and my siblings had to do that day was go sledding and drink hot chocolate. These days, when I wake up and see the roadways covered in snow, I just think to myself, "I better check my windshield wiper fluid before I head out!" If you live in an area of the country where the temperatures are dropping and winter means snow, your vehicle needs to be winter-ready. Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready for freezing temperatures and snowy streets!
1. Get your vehicle serviced.
It’s important to keep up with the maintenance of your vehicle and get it serviced regularly. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will typically have guidelines for when to get your vehicle serviced. Check the owner’s manual and make sure you’re up-to-date on your vehicle’s regular maintenance. It’s a good idea to get your oil changed before the cold sets in.
2. Check your battery.
Freezing temperatures do not always agree with car batteries. If your car’s battery is weak to begin with, it will have a hard time starting up in colder weather. As the temperatures drop, make sure to get your battery checked.
If you do find yourself with a dead battery, no need to panic. Make sure you have jumper cables in your vehicle. You can even get a portable battery so you can jump your battery without the assistance of another vehicle. Do you know how to jumpstart a battery? Watch our short video on the process:
3. Make sure your tires are ready.
If you live in an area of the country that gets a decent amount of snow and ice, make sure your vehicle’s tires are up for the task! Here are some tips for getting your tires ready for winter:
- Check the tread depth. The penny method is an easy way to gauge your tread depth. Insert a penny (head down) between your tire’s treads. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it might be time to purchase new tires.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You don’t want a flat tire when it’s 20 degrees outside. Check the guidelines for your tires and make sure they are fully inflated before hitting the road.
- Consider purchasing snow tires. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall and you’ll be driving a lot this winter, snow tires may be the safest choice. They are designed to withstand freezing temperatures and keep tread in deep snow.
4. Inspect your windshield wipers.
Have you ever been on the road with your windshield covered in salt and realized you didn’t have windshield wiper fluid? It’s not fun, nor is it safe! Make sure you always have plenty of windshield wiper fluid. Some formulas are even developed specifically for winter weather.
If you leave your vehicle parked outside, make sure to check your windshield wipers before you leave. They may be frozen to the windshield!
5. Brush up on your defensive driving skills.
When was the last time you took a driving course? If it’s been a while, now is a great time to brush up on your defensive driving skills! The wintertime can present a driving challenge for many on the road, and it’s important to always be alert. We offer fun and engaging online driver education and traffic safety courses to fit your needs. Check out our website to see what courses we offer in your state and register today!
6. Pack an emergency kit.
Finally, pack an emergency kit in your vehicle. Here are some items to include in your kit:
- Blankets and warm clothing
- High-calories, non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- First aid kit
- Phone charger and portable backup battery
- Reflectors and road flares
- Windshield scraper
- Road salt, sand, gravel, cat litter, or strips of carpet to help with traction (your vehicle’s floor mats can be used in a pinch)
- Flashlight (in addition to the one on your smartphone)
- Snow shovel
We hope you find these tips helpful! By preparing now, you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws at you. Stay safe and warm out there!
Even for kids who love school, there’s something exciting about a snow day. Growing up in the Midwest, I loved to look out the window to see the streets covered in thick white snow and know the only thing me and my siblings had to do that day was go sledding and drink hot chocolate. These days, when I wake up and see the roadways covered in snow, I just think to myself, "I better check my windshield wiper fluid before I head out!" If you live in an area of the country where the temperatures are dropping and winter means snow, your vehicle needs to be winter-ready. Use this checklist to make sure you’re ready for freezing temperatures and snowy streets!