10 essentials on how to prepare your car for winter driving

Without doubt, winter can be the most challenging period for driving. A combination of snow, ice, and low temperatures increases the risk of accidents and breakdowns.

That’s why preparing your car for winter ensures that it’s equipped to handle harsh weather conditions, which will help keep you safe on the road. If you want a vehicle that is designed to cope with winter driving conditions, such as an AWD, all-terrain model, for instance, you can search a site like Hyundai Waco to browse a list of suitable vehicles.

In the meantime, here are some essential steps and tips to prepare you and your car for winter driving.

1) It’s always a good idea to switch to winter tires

It’s worth remembering that winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather and slippery conditions. They’re made from a rubber compound that remains flexible at lower temperatures. This provides better grip on icy or snowy roads.

Unlike all-season tires, winter tires have deeper tread patterns that improve traction on snow-covered roads. It is these qualities that make them essential for winter driving. Before you arrange to fit these tires, be sure to check local regulations, as some areas restrict their use.

2) Check and replace wiper blades where necessary

Maintaining good visibility is absolutely essential when driving in winter. Your wiper blades play an important role in keeping your windshield clear of snow and slush. If your wipers are worn and not working efficiently, this can leave streaks, and reduce visibility during snow or rain.

You might want to consider installing winter-specific wiper blades, as these are built to handle ice and snow and won’t clog up as easily as regular blades. It also helps to replace your windshield wiper fluid with a winter formula to prevent it from freezing in cold temperatures.

3) Check the health of your battery

Cold temperatures have the impact of reducing battery power, and older batteries may even struggle to start your engine in freezing weather. A dead battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns during winter, so make sure your battery is fully charged and in good condition.

It is worth having a professional test your battery’s charge and inspect it for signs of wear or corrosion. If your battery is more than three years old, it would be prudent to replace it to ensure it doesn’t let you down when the temperature drops.

4) Check and top off fluids before the cold weather kicks in

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car, and they need particularly special attention in winter. Coolant, engine oil, and windshield washer fluid are especially important during cold months, which is why you need to check and top off these fluids where required.

For the coolant system, use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, as this prevents the coolant from freezing and keeps your engine from overheating.

You might also want to think about switching to a winter-grade oil, which flows better in cold temperatures. Finally, make sure you’re using a winter-specific washer fluid to prevent freezing on your windshield.

5) Get your brakes and brake pads inspected

You need your brakes to be in the best shape and functioning correctly when you are driving in wintry conditions.

Things like snow, ice, and wet roads require your brakes to be in peak condition for safe stopping. Winter weather can make stopping distances longer, which is why your brakes need to be as responsive as possible. Get a mechanic to inspect your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels.

6) Examine belts and hoses

Cold temperatures have the ability to weaken belts and hoses, leading to cracks or breaks. This is especially true for older belts and hoses that may be brittle from age.

A snapped belt or ruptured hose could soon leave you stranded in frigid weather. This is why you should Inspect all belts and hoses for signs of wear, cracking, or fraying. Replace any parts that show signs of deterioration, as they’re more likely to fail in winter conditions.

7) Prepare an emergency kit to keep in your car

An emergency kit is essential for winter driving. If you get stranded or stuck, having the right supplies can make a huge difference. Here are some essentials that should be in your winter emergency kit:

Warm blankets and some spare extra clothing
A flashlight with extra batteries
A first-aid kit
Jumper cables
A small shovel and ice scraper to help get you moving if your car gets stuck

Keep these items in an easily accessible part of the car, such as the trunk or backseat.

8) Check exterior lights are working and replace bulbs if required

Winter days are shorter, meaning you’ll be driving in the dark more often. Poor driving conditions can significantly reduce visibility, which is why it is essential that all your car’s lights are functioning correctly.

9) Aim to keep your fuel tank at least half full

In winter, it would be a smart move to keep your fuel tank at least half full. Cold temperatures can cause condensation to build up inside a nearly empty fuel tank, potentially leading to fuel line freeze-ups. Not only that, having extra fuel ensures you can keep the car running for heat if you get stranded.

Get into the habit of refilling your tank when it drops below half. In extreme conditions, having a full tank can be a lifesaver, giving you extra mileage to find help if needed.

10) Lubricate door locks and seals

Frozen door locks and seals are a common issue in winter conditions. Cold temperatures can cause locks to freeze, making it difficult to enter your vehicle.

A simple solution would be to apply some lubricant to door locks and seals in order to help prevent this issue occurring.

Driver tips for navigating winter driving conditions

As well as making sure your car is prepared for poor weather, it is worth taking the time to make sure you are equally ready. Deploying some proven safe driving techniques could make all the difference:

Always drive slowly – Snow and ice reduce tire traction, so slow down and allow more time for braking and accelerating.
Maintain safe following distances– It is a good strategy to Increase your following distance to allow extra space for stopping.
Avoid sudden movements – Quick steering or abrupt braking can cause skidding on slippery roads.
Use low gears – When driving up or down hills, use low gears for better control on snow-covered roads.

You will find that while it may take some extra time and investment to winterize your vehicle, the peace of mind it offers is well worth it. If you follow these essential preparations for winter driving, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever the season throws your way.