Snow is on its way. At Pro 1 Automotive on Wednesday, bays were filled with cars and trucks being fixed up for the weather. But it's not too late to get your car or truck ready, in fact there are some steps you can do on your own to get your car ready for the winter weather.
Some experts say getting ready for snow and ice should start before the storm even begins. “Make sure you always turn off your windshield wipers. Don't leave them in the middle of the windshield and then shut your car off. What can happen is you'll start the car up and your windshield wipers will want to move. But they are stuck to the windshield. You'll break your windshield motor,” said Pro 1 Automotive Owner Ricky Stebbins.
Experts say prepping your vehicle ahead of time is the best way to be ready for winter weather. Check your tires and tire pressure. Buy and carry chains. Top off all your fluids. Windshield wipers and fluid are also vital to winter weather driving. “Before you even go on a trip, just make sure hit your windshield wipers while you're sitting in your driveway or in the street. Make sure the wipers take off that windshield wiper solvent. That's the simple way to do it,” said Stebbins.
Visibility is important when driving in ice and snow. Seeing if your wipers are working right makes a difference. Testing the wipers before you head out is a great way to see if they're operating right. “If the wipers skip or the fluid is not being dispersed properly on the windshield, then you need to go by an auto parts store or go by an automotive shop,” said Stebbins.
The wiper fluid is also important. Don't pour water into your wiper fluid tank. You should also make sure you find the right fluid for temperature. “We always recommend minus -20 degrees windshield wiper fluid. If it’s too diluted it will freeze on the windshield or freeze in the compartment itself,” said Stebbins.
If your wipers and fluid aren't working right, visibility when you are driving could drop to nearly zero. “Especially going over the hills, you know you get in the mountain passes where cars are going through the water from the runoff and the snow. You get the spray up on your windshield. It's very dangerous, if you don't have the proper cleaning on your windshield,” said Stebbins.
Another thing you might want to check is your headlights. Make sure they're working right, before you head out.
You also want to pack an emergency kit in case you do get stuck. The emergency kit should include things such as a blanket, food, water, and a flashlight if possible.
