Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Winter Weather in New York is Inevitable. Read These Tips to Best Prepare Your Vehicle for Slippery Conditions.

 

If you’ve experienced a winter in the northeast, then you know how challenging driving can be. Between black ice, slush, snow flurries and blizzards, there is much to be alert to while hitting the road during the winter. Being prepared for anything is key, and this preparation should start early in the fall.

 

Here are a few things you might want to consider to get your vehicle prepared for a tough New York winter:

 

Have Your Vehicle’s Battery Tested

A car that won’t start is one story, but a car that won’t start in the winter is a completely different story. Have your vehicle’s battery tested early-on to ensure you aren’t stranded with an inoperable vehicle in below freezing conditions. If possible, charge your battery often during cold weather for added precaution. Not sure how to jumpstart your vehicle? Click here.

 

Consider Having Your Vehicle Undercoated.

While the salt used on New York roads is necessary to keep us safe by melting ice, it is especially tough on our vehicles. Having your vehicle undercoated each season can lessen the damages caused by salt and result in a longer lasting and better working vehicle during and after the winter weather.

 

Upgrade to Winter Tires

As someone wise once said, the only thing between you and the road is your tires. Good tires can make a dramatic difference in safe travel on snow and ice-covered roads. Consider changing out your tires for studded or snow tires that are designed to handle winter conditions much better than standard tires. PRO TIP: buy rims for your snow tires and avoid an additional fee for placing the tires on your standard rims each year. To learn more about winter tires, click here.

 

Check the Capability of Your Vehicle’s Heating System

You don’t want to be without your vehicle’s heating system, especially in the dead of winter. You’ll thank yourself in the end when you have a technician look over your heating system and resolve any issues before the winter weather starts.

 

Restock and Load Your Winter Safety Kit

Having a snow brush, small shovel, gloves, hat, and hand warmers are all crucial items to add to your standard vehicle safety kit during this time of year. For a complete list of items to keep in your vehicle’s winter safety kit, click here.

 

Check and Swap Fluids

Thankfully there are plenty of fluids designed specifically for winter weather. Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are two you will definitely want to ensure are full for the upcoming winter, and also plan to have extra on hand for when you run out.

 

Driving in a NY winter is challenging to say the least — but being prepared ahead of time makes all the difference. Adequate tires, proper fluids, heat and a stocked safety kit are essential while driving during this time of year. To learn more about ways to winterize your vehicle, click the button below.