Now is The Time To Winterize Your Car

As the seasons start to change, it is an excellent time to prepare your vehicle so it is ready for the cold and snow. The winter forecast for the Midwest is not something to take lightly, and being unprepared for potentially extreme weather conditions is never a good idea. Here are some useful tips for winterizing your car to help you stay safe on the roads this winter. 

Combat the Cold 

The first thing to do as the temperatures drop is to make sure your vehicle is in peak condition by taking it in for service. Inspecting the battery, cooling system, brakes, and engine will help reduce the probability of getting stranded in the cold weather. This would also be an excellent time to switch to winter windshield wipers and top off on washer fluid to make sure you can see clearly during those heavy snowfalls. 

One of the most important winterization techniques used in the midwest is to exchange summer or all-season tires for winter tires. Winter tires do not harden like all-season tires and have more tread depth, which provides better grip and traction when driving on snow, slush, ice, and cold, dry pavement. On the topic of tires, always monitor your tire pressure to make sure the pressure remains optimal. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, as air contracts in the cold, and tires, which contain rubber, expand. 

Finally, it never hurts to carry an emergency safety kit in your vehicle. Items like matches, a first aid kit, extra warm clothes, boots, non-perishable food, water, a small snow shovel, and jumper cables can all come in handy. If you tend to travel far from home during the winter months, consider adding a cell phone charger, medication you take regularly, and blankets just in case.  Even the most well-maintained cars can get stranded, so being prepared for the cold temperatures and winter weather is a must. 

If you are looking for help with getting your vehicle ready for winter driving, contact 94 Nissan of South Holland. Our certified Nissan technicians in our service department will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, and while you’re there, you can buy Nissan winter tires for a great price. Let us help you prepare for the snow and ice so you can get back to planning a weekend ski trip!