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No, I’m not referring to the war between the living and the dead. I’m talking about a different kind of beast: snowy, icy weather. It’s supposed to be fall here but today the forecast is calling for 90 degree sunny weather. I have a feeling this year we’re going to skip right over autumn and get hit hard with the extreme cold, and along with that comes snow and ice.
Our Honda is my husband’s commuter car. It takes a beating as he travels 60 miles per day. The tire treads were extremely low and frankly, very unsafe for the winter season ahead, so we planned on replacing them soon. Luckily, Sam’s Club is running a special on Goodyear® Assurance® WeatherReady™ Tires. That’s number one on my list when it comes to preparing your vehicle for the winter season. Please note, these specific tires do not fit on all vehicles.
How to prepare your vehicle for winter weather
1. Check your tire pressure and tread depth and replace tires if necessary.
The last thing you want is to be slipping and sliding all over the roadway. This can happen during a rain, sleet or snowstorm. Find the right tires for your vehicle and make sure you choose a set that will work well in all weather conditions. You can find your tire specs by reading the sidewall of your tires, checking the sticker on the driver-side door jamb of your vehicle, or your owner’s manual. I feel confident now that Dad’s car is equipped with Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires so that his vehicle grips the road in all types of weather.
2. Replace windshield wipers
The only thing that’s worse than night driving is night driving in the rain with a set of wipers that don’t really work. Make sure that you can see through the windshield when inclement weather rears its ugly head so that you can arrive home safely.
3. Do an engine check
Whether you can do-it-yourself or take your car to the mechanic, you want to make sure your car is in working order because extreme weather may cause things to break. Check belts, hoses, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, oil level and viscosity as you may need to change the type of oil you use in the winter. Also check to make sure that your heating system and defrosters/defoggers work.
4. Pack an emergency bag
This is really an all-year thing, but important especially in the wintertime when being stranded in a freezing car is a real possibility. You’ll want to include things like a first-aid kit, flashlight, blanket, hand warmers, ice scraper, water, food (crackers or granola bars) flares, jumper cables, and a charging device for your phone.
5. Inspect your car lights
When is the last time you’ve turned on your car at night and walked around it? You’d never know otherwise that your lights aren’t working. Have someone place a foot on the brake so that you can check the brake lights as well. It’s the simplest thing to check and probably the most important considering that the sun will be going down by 5 o’clock before you know it.
6. Have your battery checked and replace if needed
Your battery capacity will decrease in cold temperatures, so make sure your battery is performing the way it should. Park your vehicle in a garage when possible.
7. Inspect windshield for nicks and cracks
Fill any nicks in the glass. If you see a crack starting, it’s a good idea to replace the glass before the cold temps further weaken the windshield.
When you purchase a set of four Goodyear® Tires, you will save $80 instantly off the displayed retail price. I was very pleased with the process. I ordered the tires online and received a call when my order was delivered to schedule an appointment. On the day of I parked the car near the Sam’s Club® garage and checked in at the Tire & Battery Center to pay for the service and hand over the key. In about 40 minutes the car was ready, which went by in a flash because I spent the entire time shopping in the Sam’s Club® warehouse!
*Save $80 off the displayed retail price. Excludes medium commercial truck tires. Not to be combined with any other offer. Offer can be changed, modified or cancelled at any time. No rain checks. See a Sam’s Club® Tire & Battery Center Associate for eligible tires, details, terms and conditions.
I need to do this, but it’s so hard to think of winter when it’s still *0 degrees out. In October!
great tips. i used to have to prepare for winter but now i live in the desert. i should still get it checked though. thanks for the reminder.
The fall months are flying by and I definitely need to start preparing for winter weather. It is so cold here in the winter, I’m sure the water would freeze in my car. But I do need to make sure I have all my maintenance is taken care of.
When winter is near you have to be prepare with this kind of things! Thanks for your tips!