In Dallas-Fort Worth, drivers rarely have to worry about snow in the winter – but colder weather still brings its own challenges! Here are some steps you can take to winterize your car as the temperature drops.
1. Inspect your tires
As the weather changes from warm to cold, your tires can expand or contract. This can lead to a loss in air pressure, which is dangerous when you’re on the road. Ensure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
You may also want to keep snow chains in your car just in case conditions get icy, or if you’ll be traveling during the holidays.
2. Check car systems
Winter is the worst time for your car to break down on the road! Check to make sure your brakes, heater, defroster, lights, and exhaust system are all working as they should – and replace your wiper blades if they’re in poor shape.
3. Test your battery
If your battery is in good condition, you’re all set! But if it’s more than three years old, you may want to consider getting a new one just in case.
4. Get an oil change
It might be time to get an oil change if you haven’t had one in a while. Be sure that the oil is able to handle cold temperatures. And check to confirm that your antifreeze is a 50:50 mix of antifreeze and water, so it’ll keep working even when the weather is below freezing.
5. Keep an emergency kit in your car
In addition to first-aid supplies, you’ll want to include things like a blanket or sleeping bag, gloves, de-icer, food, and water. See our previous post here for a detailed list of must-have items for your roadside emergency kit.
