We are 11 days into the Winter season and while
it is an unusually warm 70 degrees in central North Carolina, colder days are
ahead of us! To ensure your vehicle is ready for the changing temperatures,
below are a few strategies to follow:
Emergency Kit
Create an emergency kit
and store it in your trunk. A few suggested items are a flashlight (make sure
the batteries are charged and working), road flares, a bag of sand (for
traction), blanket, extra pair of gloves and an ice scraper.
If you are planning a
road trip, it's always a good idea to have an extra charging cable for your
phone, bottled water and high-energy snacks like nuts and beef jerky.
Check your Anti-Freeze
levels
This chemical ensures
that your engine coolant doesn't freeze and you aren't stranded. If you are
unsure of how to check this, your mechanic can do it for you.
Tire Pressure and Tread
Depth
Both the tire pressure
and the tread depth are important to keeping you safe and on the road! Check
your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressures. Some vehicles even have
it printed on the inside of the fuel door, genius!
To check your tread
depth, you can use the Penny Test. Insert a penny with the top of Lincoln's
head pointed down. If you can see his head, then you need to have a professional
check your tires to determine if new ones are needed.
Winter Windshield Wiper
Fluid
Like Anti-freeze, this
product will keep the windshield wiper fluid from freezing. Did you even know
there was such a thing?
If in doubt, ask your
mechanic for help. Making sure your vehicle in good working order is critical
to keeping you and your family safe and #DrivingHappy! Here's to a safe and
prosperous New Year!