Winter is on its way, and it’s crucial to make sure your car is well-prepared for the upcoming cold season. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter might take a bit of time and some investment, but it’s a worthwhile effort to guarantee your safety on the road. Below, we’ll go into more detail about each aspect of winter car maintenance:
Check Your Tires
Take a closer look at your tire tread to ensure they are in good condition for winter driving. You can use a simple method called the “Penny Test” to check this. Get a penny and put it into the tire’s tread groove. Make sure the Lincoln’s head is facing you.
If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s a sign that your tires are worn and need replacement.
Proper tire pressure is essential, especially in cold weather. Low tire pressure can be risky on icy roads. You can either use a free tire air pump at a nearby gas station or consult a mechanic to check and adjust your tire pressure.
Consider Snow Tires
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall or icy conditions, think about switching to snow tires for the winter season. Snow tires provide better traction on slippery roads and can significantly enhance your safety.
Car Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your vehicle in a reputable auto body shop is a proactive way to prevent unexpected issues during the winter months. This includes changing your oil and ensuring your antifreeze levels are adequate.
A working heater in your car is not just for comfort but is also crucial for your safety, especially during extended drives in cold weather.
Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery. To ensure your vehicle is ready for winter, it’s a good idea to have a professional auto body shop in Corryton TN inspect your battery, including its fluid levels and cables.
Now, let’s delve into some important tips for safe winter driving:
Tips for Winter Driving
- Plan ahead by accounting for extra travel time. Winter conditions often lead to slower traffic, road plowing, and icy surfaces, which can delay your journey.
- Prioritize clearing snow and ice from all your car’s windows, as well as the roof. This ensures you have a clear view and prevents dangerous chunks of ice from flying off while driving.
- Drive at a slower speed than usual, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances.
- Practice smooth and gradual acceleration and deceleration to avoid skidding on icy roads.
- Always wear your seatbelt, as it significantly reduces the risk of injury in case of an accident.
- Avoid using cruise control when driving in slippery conditions, as it can make the roads even more treacherous.
- Be extra cautious of black ice, which is difficult to spot and can lead to sudden skidding. If you encounter it, ease off the gas and brakes and keep the steering wheel steady.
How to Get Your Car Unstuck from Snow
- First, check if your exhaust pipe is blocked to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the car, which can be life-threatening.
- Begin digging out the snow from around your tires and under your car to create a path for movement.
- Avoid revving your engine aggressively, as this can melt the snow and create icy patches, making it even harder to get unstuck.
- If you have assistance, rocking your car back and forth can help dislodge it from compacted snow. If you’re alone, you can achieve a similar effect by alternating between drive and reverse gears.
If You’re Stranded in Your Car During a Blizzard
- Call for help immediately, informing someone of your location to expedite rescue efforts.
- Assess whether it’s safe to leave your vehicle and seek shelter, especially if you can reach a nearby building or civilization.
- Ensure your car’s exhaust tailpipe is not blocked by snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Run your car’s engine intermittently to stay warm, but use gas sparingly as you may not know how long you’ll be stranded.
- Conserve your food and water supplies, using them sparingly. In extreme situations, you can melt snow for water, but be sure to purify it by boiling before consumption.
- Lastly, remember to keep your car stocked with essentials for winter emergencies, and stay safe while navigating winter roads!
Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now and let our experts provide your vehicle with quality car maintenance services.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
