Prepare Your Car for Driving in Winter Weather

Winter car maintenance for safety should include car preparedness. It’s important that your car is in good condition before winter and that you are prepared for driving in winter weather conditions. Our Kentucky car accident lawyers at Saladino & Schaaf are sharing tips on preparing your car for safe winter driving.

Winter brings many additional hazards for drivers, including snow and ice, winter storms, and reduced visibility. Cold temperatures put more strain on your vehicle and impact your tires, brakes, battery, and other vehicle parts.

Check Your Car Battery

Winter car maintenance for safety should start with your car battery. If it’s not in good condition, you could end up stranded by the side of the road when winter weather hits. Make sure to check all connections and look underneath the hood for any corrosion or signs that water might have gotten into the battery compartment, as these could cause damage.

If your car battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to replace it before the winter hits.

Check Your Brakes

Brakes are essential for safe driving in winter weather. Make sure to check your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear, and have them replaced if needed.

For safety, winter car maintenance should also include checking your brake fluid level, as it can drop during winter weather due to cold temperatures. If your car is more than ten years old, you might want to consider having a mechanic replace at least part of your braking system before winter hits. It’s usually not worth doing this if your car is less than ten years old.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Winter car maintenance for safety should also include checking your windshield wipers and replacing any that are worn or damaged. Make sure to check the condition of all four wiper blades, as well as the windshield sprayer nozzles on your car, before winter hits.

Check Your Tires

Tire pressure decreases in cold weather, so it’s essential to check your tire pressure at least once a month during the winter. Low tire pressure can cause decreased traction on icy roads and lead to car accidents.

Additional Preparedness

Winter car maintenance for safety should also include making sure your vehicle is ready to handle winter driving conditions. Make sure that you’re stocked up on emergency supplies, including flares and jumper cables. It’s also a good idea to keep extra clothes and blankets in your car, along with non-perishable foods.

Safe Driving in Winter Weather

While car maintenance is essential for safe winter driving, it’s not the only thing you need to worry about. You also need to know how to drive in winter weather conditions.

If you’re not used to driving in the snow, take a few practice runs before the winter hits. Make sure to drive slowly and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. If possible, try to avoid driving during winter storms.

If you do have to drive in bad weather, keep an eye on the road conditions and be prepared to pull over if necessary.

Saladino & Schaaf Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, make sure to contact Saladino & Schaaf Injury Attorneys. We are experienced car accident attorneys who will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Schedule your free consultation online or call us today at 270-444-0406 (Paducah, KY) or 270-753-1529 (Murray, KY).