Here's How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Digging Yourself Out

You should also be prepared to dig your vehicle out after a winter storm. Carry a car snow shovel with telescoping handle in your trunk in case you need to dig out when away from home. Traction aids can also help by placing them in front of your tires to prevent the wheels from spinning.

Replace Carpets with Rubber Car Floor Mats

Rubber car floor mats will help to hold melting snow that you track into your vehicle. They’re easy to clean and should be drained often to avoid spilling water onto your carpets when the snow melts.

Winter Driving Tips

Months of summer driving can make you forget some of your winter driving skills. Here’s a few refresher tips to safely hit the icy roads:

• Always Steer into a Skid: If your vehicle starts to slide out of control ease off the gas, release the brakes and gently steer in the direction you want to go

• Don't Tailgate: It takes longer to stop in icy conditions so always keep extra room between you and the vehicle ahead of you

• Drive Slowly: Most winter accidents occur because the driver is going too fast

• Drive Smoothly: Avoid hard braking, abrupt turns, and quick acceleration as these actions can cause your vehicle to skid

• Keep Your Headlights On: You want to be as visible to other drivers as possible

• Avoid Cruise Control: Using cruise control in slippery road conditions may reduce your reaction time and your ability to control the vehicle

• Watch for Black Ice: It’s hard to see, especially at night, so drive slowly and stay alert

• Stay Clear of Snowploughs: The snow pushed or thrown out from a snowplough can reduce visibility and cause an accident

• Keep Mobile Device Charged: You may need it to call for assistance if you get stuck or are involved in an accident

• Top Up Your Tank: A full gas tank helps inhibit ice from forming inside the tank and entering the gas lines

• Check the Weather: Always look at weather conditions before heading out to avoid storms or poor driving conditions

Prepping your vehicle for cold weather will help ensure a safe winter for you and your family. It can also help you avoid costly maintenance or repairs come springtime. Try to avoid getting caught short when the first snow falls. Choose a sunny fall day and prepare your vehicle at a leisurely pace to make sure you don’t miss anything.