Using your Car during Winter

Scientists are predicting one of the coldest winters on record this year for the entire East Coast so we need to be ready. You wouldn?t want to get into an accident because you can?t see out your windows, right? Or get stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery. When the temperature goes down, you?d want to be prepared for anything that might happen on the road. Keep the following helpful tips in mind!

Ensure proper visibility.

If you can?t see clearly out the windows, you?re posing a danger to yourself and everyone around you.

• Instead of using the wipers to remove ice from your windshield, use ice scraper during frosty mornings.
• When it?s snowing, and you parked your car outside, place your wipers in a raised position to prevent them from freezing to the windshield.
• Also, make sure that you regularly re-fill your windshield-washer reservoir as you will be using it a lot. Use a winter-blend solution with an anti-freeze agent.
• Ensure that the heater is properly functioning and that there?s plenty of warm air directed to the windshield. To prevent fogging on the windshield, run the AC system (set at a comfortable level) to dehumidify the air inside the car.
• Make sure that your headlights are working properly for optimum visibility at night and so that other motorists can see you.

Replace window blades.

Wiper blades should often be replaced. Studies show that even the best wiper blades out there begin to lose their effectiveness at six months. How do you know when they need to be replaced? Wiper blade replacement is necessary when there are streaks or missed expanses of the glass.

Although cleaning the rubber edge can extend its life, doing so isn?t safe all winter long. Thus, to avoid accidents, replace them with new blades. We suggest replacing them at least twice a year.

Make sure your car’s battery is in good condition.

Among the most affected car parts when winter comes is the vehicle?s battery. That?s because the cold weather reduces its power.

• For conventional batteries: check the fluid level by removing the plastic caps on the top. If the fluid level is low, you can add distilled water.
• For maintenance-free batteries: check the window at the top of the battery. Make sure that it shows signs of a fully-charged state. If it?s over 5 years old with signs of weakness, however, the battery must be replaced with a top-rated model.

If you?re unsure of what to do, you can have the battery checked by a professional at the repair shop or service station. A weak battery may be charged when appropriate. But if it?s already worn out, it would be wise if you just have it replaced before it dies on you.

Consider getting new tires.

You wouldn?t want to end up spinning out in the snow because you didn?t know your tires are worn out. So if you?ve been waiting to change your tires, don?t delay because your safety generally depends on tire traction. Make sure you get winter-grade tires. It would be wise to buy it just before the winter season kicks in as stores tend to be in short supply when the snow begins to fall.

Check your engine oil.

The cold weather can also affect your engine. Motor oils become more viscous, making it harder for your vehicle?s engine to turn over. Have your oil changed with formulas that can provide good oil flow at low temperatures (e.g. 5W-20, 10W-30, or 5W-30). When you have them changed, make sure that your oil filter is replaced as well to ensure the optimal amount of flow.

Whether it?s the winter or summer season, road safety is very important. Keep these tips in mind and make sure you are protected with the right insurance. Velox Insurance is an independent insurance agency committed to giving you quality service and products that will protect your finances. We offer reliable auto insurance that you can tailor according to your needs. Get a free auto insurance quote from us! Call us at 1-855-468-3569 or visit us today.