How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving in the U.S

Each year, nearly 2,000 people die and over 135,000 get injured in car accidents on icy and snowy roads. Winter driving is especially risky because of black ice. Sometimes, it’s hard for drivers to see because it forms a thin layer on the road. Other dangers include sudden snowstorms that make it hard to see the road and sleet that makes the road slippery. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare your car for winter driving in the U.S.

7 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving in the U.S.

1. Check Your Tires

Cold weather makes tire pressure go down. Look in your car’s owner’s manual or on the label inside the driver’s side door to find the right pressure for your tires. Don’t use the number written on the tire itself—that’s the maximum pressure, not the best one for your car.

To make life easier, you can use a Tire Inflator 12V DC Portable Compressor from AutoxMatch. It’s quick and simple to inflate your tires wherever you are.

Checking your tires isn’t just about pressure. Look for damage like cuts, cracks, or bumps on the tread and sides. Additionally, please inspect your spare tire also! 

To check if your tire is worn out, do the quarter test. Place a 25-cent coin into the groove of your tire with George Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire.

If you find any problems, take your car to a tire expert to get it fixed.

2. Check Your Brakes

Before heading out in cozy winter weather, make sure your brakes work properly. Brakes are super important for safe winter driving. Ask a mechanic to check them and ensure they’re in great shape. Remember, stopping on icy roads takes more time, so brake gently and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you.

3. Check Your Car Battery

Cold weather can make your car’s battery weaker. Gas and diesel engines need more power to start when it’s cold, and electric or hybrid cars might not go as far on a single charge. Ask a mechanic to check your battery, charging system, and belts. They can also fix or replace anything that isn’t working right.

4. Lights

If you’re heading out at night in winter, make sure your fog lights work properly. Lights are super important for safe driving at night, whether it’s summer or winter. But don’t stop there—check other lights too. Look at your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. If you’re pulling a trailer, check its brake lights and turn signals as well.

5. Windshield Wipers

During a snowstorm, you might use up a lot of windshield wiper fluid fast. Before winter arrives, fill your car’s reservoir with good-quality winter fluid that has de-icer. Check that your defrosters and windshield wipers are working, and replace any old or damaged wiper blades. If you live somewhere with heavy snow and ice, think about getting strong winter wipers.

6. Cooling System

Keep enough coolant in your car, and make sure it’s the right type for your vehicle. You can check your car’s manual to know what’s best. Look for any leaks in the cooling system, test the coolant, and replace it if it’s old. If you’re not doing it yourself, go to a mechanic shop and get it checked. They can look for leaks, worn-out hoses, or any parts that need fixing or replacing.

7. Fuel Up or Charge Your Ride

Always try to keep your gas tank almost full. For electric and hybrid cars, make sure the battery stays charged and avoid using too much power from it. Cold weather makes batteries store and deliver less energy because the liquid inside them doesn’t work well in the cold. To fix this, most car batteries use some of their power to heat themselves. You can save battery power by keeping your car warm in freezing weather. A good trick is to plug your car in at night during winter to keep the battery at a good temperature.

Here’s what you should do to get your car ready for winter driving in the U.S. But remember, doing these steps doesn’t guarantee your trip will be completely safe. You also need to make smart choices, like never drinking before driving, even if you’re looking for a fun night out. Otherwise, you might put your own life in danger.

Learn why no one wants a new car if they don’t understand how to care for it.

Conclusion

Getting your car ready for winter driving in the U.S. is easier than you think. Follow these tips to keep your car safe and ready for cold weather. Also, make it a habit to buy good-quality car care accessories online to protect yourself and your car. Always stay alert, drive safely, and enjoy the beauty of winter trips!