Winter weather can wreak havoc on your car! Salt stains and moisture can accelerate corrosion. Hence, it costs thousands in repairs or devalues its resale value. Make sure that your trunk contains essential items to aid in emergencies. A battery-powered radio can help keep in touch with others if stranded, and a flashlight will increase visibility while waiting for help to arrive. That’s not it. Here are the top 10 things to prepare your car for winter.
Check Your Car Battery & Keep Jumper Cables
As temperatures fall, car batteries may struggle to retain a charge. Driving your vehicle regularly helps the battery and engine warm up, which in turn helps the battery hold on. If this isn’t an option for you, consider using a trickle charger every night to keep it topped up without overcharging it.
If your battery has already frozen, check for signs of damage, such as swollen terminals or cracks in its case, to avoid electrical shorts. If thawing cannot safely occur, replacement may be necessary this winter. Use a multimeter to test its voltage and see if its capacity has diminished. Understand if dead batteries are included in the extended warranty.
Keep a First Aid Kit in Your Vehicle at All Times
No one likes thinking about car accidents, but being prepared is essential when driving on the roads. Carrying an equipped first aid kit in your vehicle will help you to manage injuries quickly while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Look for kits that fit easily into glove compartments or centre consoles without compromising essential supplies, making driving much simpler for drivers and passengers. Some kits even provide tools such as seatbelt cutters and glass breakers to facilitate safe exits from vehicles.
Carry an Ice Scraper to Handle Frost & Snow
Ice scrapers are indispensable tools in winter driving conditions. It provides essential windshield and window clearing service before heading out on snow-laden roads. Many ice scrapers include extra extensions to reach different areas of your vehicle, like brushes and squeegee combos for convenient cleaning.
You should also try carrying a small shovel in case of snow drifts. Black ice, which appears similar to road surfaces but is more dangerous, may also present a challenge when trying to spot it quickly.
Store Emergency Flares for Low-Visibility Breakdowns
Emergency flares can help other drivers see your vehicle even when visibility is reduced by snow or fog, providing essential aid when visibility decreases significantly.
These LED flares can help other vehicles and rescuers identify your position from afar, with nine modes that include an SOS distress signal and flashing mode visible up to one mile away.
Plus, they’re floating, easily stored in your car or emergency kit, and come packaged in their own premium carry bag – so you’re covered by all bases when an incident arises!
Protect Your Car’s Interior From Salt
Road salt can be helpful in clearing away snow and improving road safety, but it can also wreak havoc on a car’s interior. It adheres to both their body and interior surfaces while corroding metal components in hidden spaces such as wheel wells or door sills. This compromises their condition and renders them impassible for travel.
Salt can also enter the vehicle and stain carpets and floor mats. This eventually damages fabrics and creates an unpleasant smell that encourages mold growth. Professionals use high-pressure washers to quickly and thoroughly remove salt buildup from vehicles.
Additionally, it’s crucial to verify that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or ice to ensure proper ventilation and prevent potentially hazardous blockages during winter. Here’s the complete car checklist for an extended warranty.
Bring Extra Clothes To Stay Warm
Cold winter weather makes even short drives difficult, especially if you become stranded. Packing warm clothing, as well as blankets and a first aid kit in case of emergency, is essential if you become trapped or injured.
Keep a quality ice scraper and snow brush handy in your vehicle during the winter months to prevent it from being covered with an icy layer, which could blind other drivers. In addition, carry a compact shovel just in case snowy driveways or streets block your path home.
Keep a Charged Cell Phone & Extra Batteries Ready
If you find yourself stranded, calling someone for assistance should be your top priority. Doing so ensures your safety, as rescuers will know where you are located and can find you quickly.
Batteries do not perform well in extreme temperatures or cold, and cold can accelerate their discharge rate more rapidly than warm weather does. Therefore, it is wise to have extra AA batteries available, as well as invest in an emergency cell phone charger with USB connectivity, for just this reason.
Also, before heading out, make sure your gas tank is filled to at least half to avoid running low in winter conditions.
Windshield Wiper Fluid
Keeping your windshield wiper fluid topped up is essential during winter. Cold weather and road salt can quickly dirty your windshield, reducing visibility and making driving dangerous. Use a fluid designed for low temperatures to prevent it from freezing in the reservoir or on your windshield.
Regularly check the fluid level and refill as needed, especially before long trips or storms. Having a clean windshield helps you spot hazards like sleet or ice patches early, keeping you safe on slippery roads. Don’t forget to verify that your windshield wipers are in good shape to effectively clear the fluid and maintain clear vision. Understand how an extended warranty increases the resale value.
Conclusion
Winter driving doesn’t have to be a gamble if you prepare your car and yourself ahead of time. These things might seem minor, but they make all the difference when snow and ice catch you off guard. Having them, you and your passengers stay safe, warm, and ready for whatever the season throws your way.
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Nova Warranty has been providing extended warranty plans for years. We provide excellent coverage for different cars including Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and many more. We understand that unexpected repairs can be very costly, especially when you are not financially prepared. That’s why we offer an affordable solution. We have gained more than 360+ five-star reviews from our satisfied customers, and have built a 100% customer satisfaction rate. Contact us now!
