Winter Car Care & Driving Tips
Winter Car Care & Driving Tips
Here at Effort Trust Apartment Rentals, winter is quickly approaching. With the start of falling snow and icy roads upon us, now is the time to prepare your car for the winter. The winter months can get really cold and are a frustrating time for a car to break down, so follow these few tips to help keep your car running smoothly:
Tune Up – If you haven’t taken your car to the shop for a while, now is the time to do so. A tune-up will help keep your car running longer and may save you money by detecting potential problems early. Make sure that you or your mechanic check to make sure the battery is fully charge…cold weather starting is big drain on your battery. You’ll be using your windshield wipers a lot this season, so make sure that they are in good condition. Remember to make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up as it can get used up quickly keeping salt off your windshield.
Tires – If your tires are smooth, get new ones. Or at least go and get some better ones. If your tires are fine, make sure they’re properly inflated (refer to your owner’s manual). As Southern Ontario is traditionally an area of heavy snow and icy road conditions, consider investing in a set of snow tires. After all, they are specifically designed for the road conditions we experience in the Burlington, Dundas, Hamilton, Stoney Creek, St. Catharines, Welland, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Cobourg areas.
Fluid Levels – Make sure you check that the transmission, brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids and coolants are filled to proper levels. You should use de-icer windshield washer fluid which will help clear light ice and frost while preventing re-freezing.
Winter Emergency Kit – Make sure you have a Winter Emergency Kit in your car. Include things like cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice, an ice scraper and de-icing liquid, blankets, extra hat and mittens, small snow shovel, and boots. At all times you should have a small first aid kit, booster cables, small tools such as screwdriver, wrench and pliers, a flashlight with extra batteries, extra water. Keep a can of de-icer in your home so you’ll be able to get into your car.
Before jumping into your car, make sure that it is cleaned off. Clear all snow and ice from your windows, hood, roof, trunk area, and sides. Make sure your head lights and tail lights are clearly visible. Drive slowly and carefully. The posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. When driving leave plenty of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you. Be sure to leave more distance in icy conditions.
By following these tips, all of us here at Effort Trust hope you have a safe winter driving season.
This entry was posted in Blog by Effort Trust.