Ready or not, winter is coming! As the nights get cooler and the days get shorter, winter inches closer each moment.

Taking the time to get your car and house ready for the winter, can save you time and money in the future. To help you out, we compiled a list of ways to get your car ready for the upcoming season! 

Check Your Battery. The cold can be tough on your car’s battery, and there are few things more annoying than when you are running late and your car won’t start. Many mechanic shops can run a test on your battery to determine how much lifespan it has left. They will be able to quickly determine if you are in need of a new battery or not. A battery replacement typically costs under $200. 

We also suggest starting your car every few days during the winter if you are not using it regularly, this will help prevent your battery from dying. It is also advised to make sure you have AAA, they will be able to jump-start your car if your batter does die. Many insurance companies have a roadside assistance program that you can also enroll in. 

Change your wiper blades and refill your wiper fluid. Winter precipitation and salt on your windshield can make seeing the road nearly impossible. Good wipers and a good supply of wiper fluid can help you get around when road conditions are working against you.

If your wipers look worn, it is always advised to replace them. Wiper blades typically only last about a year, and are fairly inexpensive to replace. If you are in a location with frequent snow storms, you can also buy windshield wipers designed for winter weather. There are also a variety of products on the market that you can apply to your windshield to help keep it clear of precipitation. 

Check Your Tires. Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop. Many cars on the road today have a feature that checks them automatically. If one or more of your tires is low, don’t ignore it. It is extremely important to make sure they are aired up properly. A properly inflated tire ensures the best possible contact between the road and the tires, which is essential for safe traction when driving in wintry conditions.

If you live in an area that gets frequent snow storms, snow tires might be a good investment for your vehicle. Snow tires are made of a different material and have different tread patterns than non-snow tires. Snow tires won’t get you out of any situation, but they will provide extra traction to help you get around.

Change The Oil. Cold weather reduces the oil’s effectiveness. The lower the temperature, the thicker the oil gets and thick oil doesn’t properly circulate through your engine as well as thin oil does. 

Luckily, this fix is an easy one. Change to a thinner oil. Ask your mechanic about this at your next oil change. 

Stock Your Car With Emergency supplies. Emergencies happen at random, and the only way to prepare for them is to plan ahead. We suggest keeping a few emergency items in your car at all times, but especially in the winter or when snow is in the forecast. 

• A charged cell-phone
• Jumper cables 
• Flashlight 
• Warm blankets or an extra coat
• Ice Scraper or folding shovel
• Tow strap or chains
• First aid kit

We hope these tips will help you get ready for the season ahead!

Written by Morgan Hatfield

Disclaimer: This post is to be used for informational purposes only. Each person should consult their insurance, business advisor or expert in the field with respect to matters referenced.