Though winter certainly has its perks, nasty road conditions are not one of them. Keeping you and your family safe, even when harsh weather is occurring, is of vital importance. To assist in this goal, it’s important to make a few preparations to your vehicle before the bad weather moves in. That way, when it does hit, you’ll be ready to drive safely at all times and in all conditions.
New Tires
Tires with inadequate tread are a hazard any time of the year, but especially when the roads are wet or icy. The tread on a tire is what provides the traction on wet or icy roads, as the tread pattern works to bite into the road surface and to effectively manage moisture. Not to mention that worn tires are more susceptible to punctures that can cause sudden blowouts. Unless you live in an area with especially heavy snow, a good set of all-season tires will provide adequate traction for your vehicle.
New Wipers
A clear windshield is crucial to safe driving. During the winter, when snow, sleet, salt, mud, and ice are being thrown onto your windshield by other vehicles, keeping your windshield clear can be quite a challenge. That’s why it’s so important to have fresh wiper blades in place as the winter season begins. New blades will help to effectively remove the dirt that coats your windshield and will stand up better under harsh temperatures. Just as important as good wiper blades is ensuring that your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full of fluid that won’t freeze in cold temperatures.
Easy in and Out
How you begin and end a journey in your vehicle is just as important as the journey itself. If your garage door has seen better days, then, it’s a good idea to have it replaced as soon as possible. A properly functioning garage door will ensure that you don’t get stuck outside on a cold and snowy day, potentially slipping and falling on an un-shoveled driveway. Plus, when you’re trying to leave in the morning, an older garage door may have trouble opening in the cold temperatures, which could cause you to be late to work.
Don’t Wait
As you consider the preparations you need to make, the most important thing is that you make them in advance. The first snowfall or ice storm is a bad time to suddenly realize that you need new tires or that your garage door won’t open. Plus, if you do wait this long, you’ll be battling all the other individuals who procrastinated on their own preparations. By preparing in advance, you’ll be ready when those first flakes fall, ensuring that winter is more of a minor inconvenience than a major tragedy.
