If you live in an area where snow in abundant you can take extra precautions to detect car problems before the arise to make sure the winter weather doesn’t get the best of your car and your wallet.
- Check Your Oil: There are certain types of oil that may help your car run better in cold, harsh conditions. Also, make sure you take your car in for oil changes according to your vehicles suggested maintenance cycle.
- Check your Tires: Have your tires checked to make sure the tread will last through the winder. It may be less expensive to purchase a new pair before the winter months. It also cheaper to replace them before you have damaged both the tires and bent your rims. Also,when shopping for tires, consider ones built for snow conditions.
- Check Your Defrost and Heating Systems: The last you you want on a cold day is to get in your a shiver for then minutes while your car takes its sweet time warming up. Also, make sure you check your vehicles heating system before the winter months so you won’t be left out in the cold.
- Check Your Brakes: Don’t put your safety at risk with bad brakes and manse sure to make any repairs necessary. In the winter month’s its not uncommon to come across dangerous roads covered with snow and ice, changing your brakes before winter can help prevent accidents.
- Pack the Essentials: Stock up on the essentials before the winder season approaches to make sure you are prepared in case you break down in a snow storm.
- Gloves
- Jumper Cables
- De-Icer / Windshield washer fluid
- Snow Brush / Ice Scraper
- Snacks
- Blanket
- Cell Phone
- Spare Tire
- Jack
- Flares
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- First-Aid Kit
Most importantly know what to do if your vehicle breaks down, the worst thing you can do is panic. When you realize you’re in need of help, pull your car off to the side of the road or into the nearest parking lot. If you’re on the road, make sure you put your hazard lights on and if you have them, light two flares and put them at each end of your car. Next, call for help. The police or your insurance company should be the first people you call; this way you can get quick access to a tow truck. To keep warm, use the blanket you packed in your car for the winter. If help will not arrive for quite some time and you have enough gas, run your engine every so often to stay warm.
It’s never too early to winterize your car. If you live in snowy, cold-weather state like Michigan, you know that the weather can change any second and you could be seeing snow flakes out your window any day now. The next time you go grocery shopping, add a few extra items on your list for your vehicle. Your vehicle and wallet will thank you.
To save money on winterizing you car make sure you join OdoClub, the industry’s first personal road miles rewards program. OdoClub members earn rewards for every mile they drive. Rewards can be redeemed at participating dealerships for discounts on goods and services.
Join OdoClub today. It’s Free. It’s Easy. It’s Rewarding.
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