How to Prepare Your Car for the Winter

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

While it is not snowing  yet, the winter season is quickly approaching. But is your car prepared for the cold?

Making sure your car is ready while the temperature outside drops can prevent car accidents and keep you safe while out on the road. Consider the following tips to help prepare your vehicle for the winter:

1. Keep a box of supplies and non-perishable food in your car. In the event that your engine fails or you are stranded on the side of the road because of a severe snowstorm, make sure you have food, water, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, and other supplies. Keep these supplies in your vehicle all winter long.

2. Maintain your tires. Check your tires’ pressure because cold temperatures cause tire pressure to decrease. You should also make sure your tires are not worn out. Worn out tires can make it difficult to drive in snow and on ice. If you find your car often slipping on snowy roads, consider getting snow tires.

3. Test your car’s battery. Cold weather can cause a battery’s capacity to drop, so have your battery checked. A worn-out battery can cause your car to stall while you are driving and therefore increase your risk of getting into a rear-end collision.

4. Prepare your vehicle’s windshield wipers. A windshield that is covered in fog or ice will significantly diminish your visibility which can lead to an accident. Replace your regular windshield wiper fluid with wiper fluid designed for the winter. Winter fluid will not turn to ice and can help eliminate snow and ice on your windshield.

5. Check your vehicle’s break lights and headlights. Being able to see other vehicles and making sure other drivers can see you during a snowfall is essential in preventing car accidents during the winter. Therefore, make sure your car’s headlights and break lights are functioning properly.

6. When temperatures are below freezing, add fuel deicer to your car’s engine. It can prevent moisture from becoming ice in the fuel line.

7. Make sure your brakes are working properly. Low-performing brakes can make it difficult to stop your vehicle or can cause your vehicle to skid in snowy weather.

Contact an Experienced Lake County Car Accident Attorney

No matter how many precautions you take and how well-equipped your vehicle is for the winter season, car accidents can and do occur. At Salvi & Maher, LLP, our Waukegan personal injury lawyers strive to recover compensation for those involved in all types of traffic accidents. Call 847-662-3303 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ase.com/News-Events/Publications/Glove-Box-Tips/Getting-Your-Vehicle-Ready-For-Winter.aspx

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2015/11/03/5-steps-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter

http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2016/11/29/5-ways-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter/