How do I prepare my car for winter?

The extreme conditions that go along with a New England winter can do a great deal of damage to your car and cause a great deal of inconvenience to you if you’re not prepared. Here is a checklist of things to consider before winter hits.

1. Check your tire pressure. This is extremely important especially when driving in winter conditions such as snow or ice. Remember, your tire pressure will decrease faster in the cold weather so you should check your tire pressure monthly during the winter.

2. Make sure that your wipers are working properly. Poor visibility is a major cause of accidents during the winter. You should also check your wiper fluid reservoir. Make sure that it is full and have a bottle of replacement fluid in your vehicle.

3. Inspect your belts and hoses. Cold temperatures and the freezing and thawing process that occurs during the winter can accelerate the breakdown of your belts and hoses.

4. Test your battery. The cold temperatures of winter can reduce a battery’s power significantly. If your battery is older than two years, have it tested.

5. Check your antifreeze. The ratio of antifreeze to water should be 50:50.

6. Be prepared for a breakdown. Even the best maintained vehicle may still break down and it is important for you to be prepared. Have a winter emergency kit in your car. Here are some important items to include in the kit:

A pair of gloves and a winter hat
Salt or sand
An ice scraper and snow brush
A small shovel
Extra wiper fluid
A flash light
Flares
Jumper cables
Extra food and water

Finally, remember to drive slowly in winter conditions and remove all snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows. Good luck!