Be Prepared for Winter
As winter is approaching, it is critical to get your vehicle ready for those cold and sometimes slippery conditions before that first storm hits. It is important for both car maintenance and safety. Here are some important tips to follow in this process
Winter Tires: If you live in an area that gets snow and ice, winter tires are key for safe driving. While winter tires are superior, at least make sure your vehicle has all weather tires. Winter tires are designed specifically to stand up to below freezing temperatures, and their tread can handle snow. Another important step is to monitor the tire pressure on a regular basis as temperature drops can affect tire pressure.
Basic Equipment: You will need a snowbrush and an ice scrapper. Other tools suited for unpredictable winter conditions include a collapsible shovel, a well-stocked emergency kit and a set of jumper cables. It is also a good idea to always keep a blanket and a flashlight in your car. A set of tire chains can be handy if you will be traveling through the mountains in snowy weather.
Windshield Clarity: If you are stuck in a snowstorm, even a rainstorm, especially in the darkenss, it is imperative to have good wipers and plenty of windshield fluid. Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield.
Fluids Checks: Beofre it gets to cold out, make sure your vehicle’s fluids are at the right level. This includes oil. Brake fluid, and coolant.
Battery and Electrical Systems: Cold weather is a vehicle's electrical system enemy -- especially the vehicles battery. Combine this with the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems, and a car battery really has to be ready to meet the brutal winter challenge. A well-insulated cabin offers much needed shelter from frigid winter winds, so ensuring your heating system is functioning properly should be a top priority. Run your heating system to ensure its operation before the actual time of need. Also check the window defroster system by testing the defroster strips in the windshield and rear windshield using a voltmeter.
Four Wheel Drive: Another way to ensure driving safety in adverse weather conditions, is to choose a model with 4WD, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, chief rival to the Jeep Columbia Wrangler, is an excellent option and has the choice of either 2WD or 4WD. The FJ earned Good results in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Winter Tires: If you live in an area that gets snow and ice, winter tires are key for safe driving. While winter tires are superior, at least make sure your vehicle has all weather tires. Winter tires are designed specifically to stand up to below freezing temperatures, and their tread can handle snow. Another important step is to monitor the tire pressure on a regular basis as temperature drops can affect tire pressure.
Basic Equipment: You will need a snowbrush and an ice scrapper. Other tools suited for unpredictable winter conditions include a collapsible shovel, a well-stocked emergency kit and a set of jumper cables. It is also a good idea to always keep a blanket and a flashlight in your car. A set of tire chains can be handy if you will be traveling through the mountains in snowy weather.
Windshield Clarity: If you are stuck in a snowstorm, even a rainstorm, especially in the darkenss, it is imperative to have good wipers and plenty of windshield fluid. Ensure that your wipers have a clean wipe across the windshield.
Fluids Checks: Beofre it gets to cold out, make sure your vehicle’s fluids are at the right level. This includes oil. Brake fluid, and coolant.
Battery and Electrical Systems: Cold weather is a vehicle's electrical system enemy -- especially the vehicles battery. Combine this with the increased power demands of defrosters, windshield wipers and heating systems, and a car battery really has to be ready to meet the brutal winter challenge. A well-insulated cabin offers much needed shelter from frigid winter winds, so ensuring your heating system is functioning properly should be a top priority. Run your heating system to ensure its operation before the actual time of need. Also check the window defroster system by testing the defroster strips in the windshield and rear windshield using a voltmeter.
Four Wheel Drive: Another way to ensure driving safety in adverse weather conditions, is to choose a model with 4WD, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, chief rival to the Jeep Columbia Wrangler, is an excellent option and has the choice of either 2WD or 4WD. The FJ earned Good results in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
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