The best tips for keeping your car safe in the winter
The experts at Consumer Reports weighed in on how to keep yourself and your vehicle prepared for winter's harsh conditions
Winter is here, and for tens of millions of Americans, that means driving in rough road conditions. But there are things you can do to make your journeys through ice and snow easier, less dangerous, and better for your vehicle.
Experts at Consumer Reports created a list of tips to help your vehicle get through winter. Continue reading to see what they say.
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Check your battery
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Car batteries often operate with only half their power in temperatures below freezing. Have your battery checked before or during winter. And make sure you know how to jumpstart your car should it die. If you need to get a new battery, here are some recommendations.
Read More: The best car batteries, according to Consumer Reports
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Get new wiper blades
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Your wiper blades should be replaced every year, according to CR. And it's especially important they work in tough, winter conditions and don’t leave your windshield streaky when visibility is already low. While you’re at it, use windshield wiper fluid meant for winter.
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Lubricate door locks
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This one is a little less obvious. “If you still use a key to get into your car, the lock cylinder can accumulate moisture and freeze during winter, locking you out,” CR said. “Use a silicone lubricant to clean the lock — most auto parts stores sell a special device that fits into the keyhole.”
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Check your oil and coolant
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Since motor oil gets more viscous in the cold, it’s important to check your levels in winter. And if you go for a change, get oil meant for winter use. The same goes for coolant: You want one with antifreeze, CR said.
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Think about your tires
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Good tires are essential for safe driving. If you don’t live in a particularly snowy area, CR noted that all-season tires are fine. And you want to check the tire-pressure too. Tires lose air in cold weather, which can create problems for you and your vehicle.
Read More: The best all-season tires for winter, according to Consumer Reports
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Pack an emergency kit
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You never know what will happen on the road, and getting stuck on the highway or elsewhere in the snow is no joke. CR recommends having an emergency kit in your trunk with “gloves, a blanket, a portable shovel, an ice scraper/snow brush, a flashlight, flares or a warning light, a safety triangle, a reflector vest, a basic first aid kit, a cell phone charger, and jumper cables.” Even if you don’t want to stockpile all of them, just a few items in there could make a big difference.
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Keep your tank half full
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Keeping enough gas in your car will prevent condensation or freezing in your tank. It will also keep you prepared if you unexpectedly get stuck in the snow.