Winter is coming!

Please excuse us for the Game of Thrones reference, but with winter comes a whole new set of challenges for your car and yourself. The cold weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle, so it's important to take some steps to make sure your car is up for the challenge. 

In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how to prep your car for winter. We'll also give advice on how to prepare yourself for the winter ahead. All in all, no matter what kind of vehicle you have, these tips will help you get ready for the cold weather ahead.

1. Test Your Car Battery

Your car battery is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and it's also one of the most susceptible to damage in cold weather. The cold weather can make it harder for your battery to start your car, so it's important to test it before the winter sets in.

To test your car battery, you'll need a voltmeter. You can usually find one at your local auto parts store. Once you have your voltmeter, simply connect the positive and negative terminals to your battery and check the reading. If it's 12.6 volts or higher, your battery is in good shape. Otherwise, you'll need to shell some money out for a new one.

2. Inspect Your Tires (or Consider Winter Tires)

Another important winter car prep tip is to inspect your tires (or consider winter tires). This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in these conditions.

Even if you don't have winter tires, though, it's still a good idea to inspect your tires before winter hits. Make sure they have enough tread and that they're properly inflated. These two things will help you avoid a flat tire in the middle of a cold winter day.

3. Check Your Coolant

When the temperatures start to drop, it's important to make sure your coolant is up to the task of keeping your engine at a consistent temperature. Nothing can be more frustrating than having your car overheat in the middle of a winter storm.

To check your coolant, simply open the hood of your car and look at the reservoir. It should be filled to the "full" line. If it's not, add more coolant until it reaches that level.

4. Get New Wiper Blades

Wiper blades are another crucial part of winter car preparation. After all, you need to be able to see out of your windshield when it's snowing or raining!

If your wiper blades are a bit old, it's a good idea to replace them before winter hits. This will help you avoid streaks and smears on your windshield when you need it to be clean the most.

5. Lube Window Tracks, Door Locks, and Hinges

One final winter car prep tip is to lube your window tracks, door locks, and hinges. This will help prevent them from freezing up when the temperatures start to drop.

You can use any type of lubricant for this purpose, but WD-40 is a good option because it's designed to prevent rust and corrosion. Simply spray it on and wipe away any excess.

Things You Can Do as a Driver

Of course, you mustn't depend on your car to keep you safe. There are plenty of things you can do so as to avoid any accident or breakdown.

1. Practice Warming Up Your Engine

Before heading out on your journey, it is essential that you let your engine run for a few minutes. This will help to loosen up all the parts and ensure that the oil is circulated properly. Not all people do this, so if you're one of them, then you should start practicing now!

2. De-Ice Your Windows

Make sure that you have a good ice scraper with you so that you can clear your windows before driving. It is also advisable to keep a small bottle of de-icer in your car just in case you need it.

2. De-Ice Your Windows

Make sure that you have a good ice scraper with you so that you can clear your windows before driving. It is also advisable to keep a small bottle of de-icer in your car just in case you need it. Clear windows equal clear vision and that is very important when driving in winter conditions.

3. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

You never know when you might need a first-aid kit or a flashlight, so it's always better to be prepared. Put together a small bag with all the essentials and keep it in your car. This way, you will be ready for anything that comes your way.

Here are some basic items that you should include in your emergency kit:

• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Blanket
• Bottled water and snacks
• Ice scraper
• Shovel
• Tire chains

4. Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

When the roads are slippery, it is advisable to drive slower than usual and increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. This will give you more time to react in case of an emergency.

In normal weather, it is recommend that you distance yourself at least two seconds behind the car in front of you. During winter and when the roads are slippery and icy, you should increase your distance to at least three seconds.

To gauge your distance, look at a point of reference such as a pole or a tree. Once the car in front of you should start counting seconds — one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand — until you pass it. If you reach the reference point before you can finish counting, then you're following too closely.

5. Drive Defensively

Another winter driving tip is to always be on the lookout for other drivers. This is especially important when the roads are covered in snow and ice. Pay attention to the way they are driving and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

Defensive driving means being aware of what other drivers around you are doing and being prepared to take action if necessary. It also means being aware of your own limitations as a driver and not taking unnecessary risks.

Conclusion

This winter, be prepared for the cold weather — and the slippery roads — by following these tips for car preparation and winter driving. With a little bit of planning, you can definitely stay safe all season long.