The holidays are quickly approaching, and most Pennsylvania residents want to think about what they will eat on Thanksgiving Day or what to buy online during Cyber Monday. However, one of the first things that should be on your mind is your car.
Thanksgiving is the first holiday of the season when temperatures begin to plummet. The roads start to ice over every morning, and we see more snowfall throughout the streets. But how do we prepare our cars for the cold weather?
Check your tires
Most drivers tend to get their tires inspected and rotated during regular maintenance checks. However, tires tend to wear out faster during the winter months – which leads to less traction and more accident for Pennsylvanians.
To avoid the risk, consider snow (or winter) tires. These specialty tires are made to handle low temperatures and slick streets due to their rubber compounds and deep treads. The tires will last even on the coldest of winter days.
Inspect the engine for its antifreeze levels
Engines are the most crucial part of our vehicles because it’s where all the functions of your car are located. One critical aspect of the engine is the antifreeze, which keeps your engine from freezing during the winter months. Without the proper levels, your engine may freeze and leave you stranded in the driveway or parking lot.
Luckily, most auto supply stores or local mechanics will check antifreeze levels if you don’t want to. Otherwise, most vehicles include how to check and add antifreeze into your engine in the owner’s manual.
Prepare a winter emergency kit
An emergency kit in your car is helpful at any time of year, but it’s critical in the colder months. It’s possible to be stranded in below-freezing temperatures for hours if a tow-truck cannot access you quickly. A few items to keep in your kit include:
- Blanket
- Gloves
- Jumper cables
- Shovel
- A bag of salt or kitty litter for traction issues
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
These are only a few items to include. Think about what you would need if you ended up on the side of the road during December. You would be surprised how a little preparation prevents drivers from being trapped in seriously dangerous situations.