Winter Is Coming: Here’s How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Cold Weather

Connecticut winters are notoriously cold and snowy. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can be challenging to deal with on an everyday basis. This is especially true while driving. Car accidents increase during the winter due to inclement weather, darker nights and an increase in holiday travel. So, how do you prepare your vehicle for cold weather? Follow these winter driving safety tips to ensure your car is ready.

Four Vital Winter Driving Safety Tips

1. Have a “winter supply” box. In case of an accident or an engine stall, it’s important that you have the necessary supplies. Have an ice scraper, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and food and water. These tools will help you if you become stranded on the side of the road.
2. Check tread depth and tire pressure. Make sure your tires are in good shape. If your tires are in bad shape, then you have a higher risk of skidding and losing control of your vehicle. Check your tire pressure with a gauge, follow your car manual’s recommendations for pressure levels and fill up your tires with air as needed. You can check your tread depth by using the “Lincoln test.” Insert a penny into the tread of your tire with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward; if you can fully see Lincoln’s head, then it’s time to replace that tire. You can also install winter tires.
3. Change your car fluids. Some wiper fluid products will freeze during the winter months. Replace your ordinary fluid with “winter” fluid to help loosen ice and snow from your windshield. Visit your mechanic to see if you need to change your oil and antifreeze. Make sure both are rated for winter conditions.
4. Make sure your heater and defroster work. Without a properly functioning defroster, it will be close to impossible to maintain driving visibility during the winter. Replace your defroster and heater as soon as you can if it is not functioning correctly.

Follow Our Connecticut Personal Injury Law Firm for Future Updates

The Connecticut personal injury attorneys at Walsh Woodard LLC want to make sure you and your family stay safe this winter season. Follow our Facebook and Twitter for more safety tips and winter-related posts. Our firm has extensive experience in car accident cases, so call us if you have been involved in an accident this winter season.