Harsh winter weather can come at you fast, and unfortunately can bring many issues with your car. Accidents and repairs can be costly—especially if they cause a rise in your auto insurance premiums. Here are five car maintenance tips for winter to help you avoid car problems and reduce the likelihood of an accident during cold winter weather.
Get a Vehicle Health Report Check
Getting a comprehensive vehicle health report check will help you stay up-to-date on car maintenance and repairs. Having a technician check your brakes, rotors, wheels, steering and suspension, exhaust, and engine performance is an easy way to make sure your car is functioning properly and catch any issues that could worsen during cold winter months.
Inspect Your Brakes
Winter weather can put a lot of pressure on your brakes, so it’s important to make sure they’re functioning properly—not only to prevent accidents but also future costly repairs. It’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a professional to make sure you can safely navigate slick winter roads.
Perform a Car Battery Test
Motor oil thickens when the weather gets colder, requiring more power from your battery to start your car. Doing a voltage test is an easy way to make sure you don’t end up with a dead car battery in frigid temperatures. You’ll also want to check your battery for cracks or corrosion to avoid costly damage to your car.
Checklist for Your Vehicle
Creating a maintenance checklist to prepare for winter weather can ensure you keep up with your car repairs and maintenance each year. Checking your tire tread and tire pressure, making sure you have enough coolant/antifreeze protection and checking your windshield wipers are basic inspections that can help prevent costly repairs.
Pack a Winter Emergency Car Kit in Your Vehicle
It’s a smart idea to keep an emergency kit in your car all the time, but you’ll also want to make sure you’re prepared for winter weather. You’ll want items such as blankets, hats and gloves to help keep you warm, and you’ll also be thankful to have a car shovel and ice scraper. Taking the time to gather items that make sense for your winter travel needs is a sure way to make sure you’re prepared for cold weather hazards.
SelectQuote Can Help Protect Your Car with Auto Insurance
While weather can be hard to predict, making sure you have sufficient, yet affordable, auto insurance coverage is easy with SelectQuote. We’ll take the time to learn more about your car and your situation, ensuring you have an auto insurance policy that is right for you at a price that works for your budget.
