Prepare Your Car for winter
Winter is here and for most people, preparations for a transition to winter are in full gear. Snow and sleet coupled with freezing rains bring with them a torrent of challenges to our lives among them keeping our cars operating safely.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure that your car is operating in successfully throughout the fall season while at the same time guaranteeing safety to your family should you encounter problems associated with winter weather. Here are two crucial strategies to implement.
Check the pressure and tread depth of the tires
Staying safe on the road during harsh weather condition in winter comes down to the quality and the state of your tires. Always ensure that the tires are in an excellent shape by following the following steps:
First, check the pressure with the help of a simple gauge that can be purchased at your local auto store. This gadgets are accompanied with a manual coupled with recommendation for the suitable pressure levels. Should your tires be in need of more air, be sure to fill them up at the nearest gas station. Most gas station will provide this service for free.
The next step should include ensuring that the tires have the required amount of tread on them. You can do a Lincoln test which is all about inserting a penny into the tread with the Lincoln’s head pointing inwards. If Lincolns head is visible, then your tires need replacements before winter kicks in.
If you live in an area with a wintry climate, you may have to consider investing in special winter tires before the season begins.
Use winter grade oil
In your next oil change before winter, go for winter grade oil. Generally speaking, the lower the temperature, the thinner the oil in the engine needs to be. The viscosity of oil during cold weather is usually indicated by the first digit in the oil specifications. The lower the number, the better the viscosity in winter. For instance, 5W-30 oil is more suitable for winter that 10W-30 oil.
All the changes above are essential when operating a vehicle in the cold winter weather. However, if you do nothing, ensure to keep an emergency box in the car. This goes beyond ensuring that the car is running as needed but actually ensuring that the occupants of the vehicle are safe in case of an emergency.