How do I Prepare my Vehicle for Winter?

What have I learned from living in North Dakota for many years? I've learned that winter is cold and my vehicle needs to be prepared! This is not only the case for us in North Dakota, but anyone in the upper part the United States. Just like people need jackets, stocking hats, and gloves, vehicles need to be prepared too. So, what do I do in preparation in months leading up to the cold winter weather? Follow along below as I give you my 5 steps to preparing your car or truck for colder weather!

1. Check your Tire Pressure and the Tread on your Tires

• Tire pressure: Find a tire gauge at your local supply store and find the pressure level that is appropriate for your vehicle. Then if they are low, you can fill them up at your local gas station which usually offers a free air fill-up.
• Tread test: Most tires are estimated to have a life between 25,000 – 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced. To find a more specific estimates check your vehicles owner’s manual. Also, you can use a Lincoln penny to check the tread by first inserting the penny into your tire’s tread with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward toward the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head on the penny, you should probably replace you tires before winter.

Tire tread

2. Put a Winter Supply Box in your Trunk

• Having a safety kit or box in your vehicle is extremely important. You never know when you may need emergency supplies.
• What to include: first-aid kit, flashlight, extra warm clothes, blankets, snacks, shovel, sand for traction, jumper cables, and an ice scraper.

3. Check your Battery

• Batteries slow down as the temperature decreases. Therefore, the lower the temperature the more current is required to start the vehicle's engine. To help your battery, if possible, try to park in the garage as much as you can to increase the temperature around the vehicle. Also, having jumper cables is always a good idea whether you or another driver needs a jumpstart.

4. Inspect Headlights and Brake Lights

• Your lights are crucial to avoiding accidents for you and other drivers. Being able to see in snow, sleet, or rain with your headlights is key to avoiding accidents. Also, having functioning brake lights is helpful for other drivers as they can take precaution when approaching you from behind.

5. Check Wiper Fluid and Wiper Blades

• There is nothing worse than having wipers that smear ice and snow across your windshield instead of clearing it away. That’s why having newer wiper blades will help stand up against the elements as the temperature drops.
• Not all wiper fluid is made the same either. So, it’s important to check  to make sure your fluid is rated to subfreezing temperatures. Having proper wiper fluid and functioning defrosters will allow you to melt and ice or snow on your windshield as well.

Even though not everybody has to experience the subfreezing temperatures of winter, it is still important to check up on your vehicle. Having a supply box in your vehicle no matter the season is a great idea, because you never know when your vehicle may break down. So, follow these steps and you will be on your way to a safer winter and overall travel experience!