2. DOING SO CAN PREVENT UNWANTED DANGERS
ASSOCIATED WITH COLD TEMPERATURES. THE
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
REPORTS THAT 17% OF CAR CRASHES HAPPEN DURING
THE WINTER SEASON.
IN THE SAME WAY THAT WE PREPARE OURSELVES
BEFORE BRAVING THE CHILLS, PREPARING OUR
AUTOMOBILES IS A MUST.
3. CHECK YOUR
ENGINE’S
ANTIFREEZE
During the winter months, your engine can
become especially worn and can potentially
freeze up. The freezing can cause engine
damage and even kill your engine.
Antifreeze is an inexpensive preventative
measure to ensure that your engine won’t get
too cold and freeze. You can buy an
antifreeze checking kit at any automotive
supply store. Representatives are usually
willing to check your antifreeze levels for you
as well.
4. KEEP AN EMERGENCY KIT IN
YOUR CAR
In the case of an accident or car malfunction, a safety kit is beneficial to help you
withstand the cold. The kit should contain emergency items such as a charged phone,
batteries, a radio, an ice scraper, healthy snacks, a flashlight, flares, warm clothes, and
a first-aid kit.
5. A lot of drivers are unaware of this
inexpensive gem. Winter wiper fluid does not
freeze, thus making it easier for you to see
while driving in precipitation. It can also
loosen snow and ice from your windshield.
SWITCH TO
WINTER
WINDSHIELD
WIPER FLUID
6. USE A LOW
VISCOSITY
MOTOR OIL
Consider using motor oil that is more
equipped for winter during your next oil
change. Cold weather calls for thinner oil.
The lower the number, the better. For
instance, if you usually use 10W-30 oil, use
5W-30 during the winter.
7. Tires that are in good shape and are properly
inflated are crucial to staying safe on the
road. Invest in a tire pressure gauge (for a
dollar or less) to make sure your tires are
neither under inflated nor over-inflated.
Numerous gas stations have self-service
pumps. You can also visit an automobile
service station and have a mechanic do it for
you.
You’ll also need to make sure your tires are in
good shape. Check the tread by performing
what is called a “Lincoln Test” by inserting a
penny into the tread. If Lincoln’s whole head
is visible, it’s time to consider replacing your
tires.
CHECK TIRE
TREAD AND
PRESSURE