Just because the festive season is over, it doesn’t mean that winter is gone. Unfortunately, when we experience mild weather during winter, many of us are lulled into a false sense of security that investing time and effort into maintaining our vehicles is a complete waste of time.
Sadly, when you’re not prepared for bad weather, you leave yourself open to car failures, crippling mechanical bills and even car accidents – discover personal injury lawyers in phoenix if you’ve been involved in an accident. So, what precautions should you take, and what steps should you take to prepare your car for bad weather?
Read on for 5 simple tips so you can be ready for anything.
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Get your car serviced
When was the last time your car was serviced? Many of the issues around car failure in poor weather conditions could be avoided if you have your car serviced and you maintain your vehicle properly. Getting your car serviced means that your brakes, suspension and wheel components won’t let you down when you need them the most. You can check your own oil and water levels at home to ensure your car has everything it needs to get you from A to B.
Inspect your car’s battery
Your car’s battery puts up with a lot over the winter months. With the additional energy required to power your headlights, heaters and all your other car gadgets, coupled with the draining effect that cold weather brings, your car’s battery needs checking regularly. No one wants to be running late for work only to find their car won’t start! If you find yourself stuck, then ask a neighbour for a jumpstart. If you’re having regular problems with your battery, head to your local garage and consider having it replaced.
Check your tyres
Your tyres need to grip the road effectively during bad weather conditions, steer efficiently and brake when you need them to, so checking their condition is imperative. Check the tyre pressure and double-check your car’s manual to find the correct pressure level. If they’re not at the correct level, then head to a gas station where you’ll be able to pump up your tyres. Beware of over-inflating your tyres – you don’t want a blowout! You can check the depth of the tyre with this simple coin trick.
Keep your lights clean
Grime, dirt and grease from the road often mean that your headlight covers are cloudy and not as bright as they could be. Keeping yourself visible on the road is crucial to keeping you and other drivers safe. Give them a clean and don’t forget to clean your indicators too.
Pack a winter emergency car kit
Sometimes, no matter how well prepared you are, things still go wrong. Whether you find yourself broken down at the side of the road, or stuck in traffic due to the bad weather, having a winter emergency car kit available will help. Pack blankets and additional clothing, bottled water and dry food, flares, an emergency triangle, a wind-up torch and a first aid kit.
