Don’t get stuck on the roadside in the cold this season. Failing to prepare your vehicle for cold weather might mean expensive repairs, serious injuries, or stalling out. Ice, snow, and cold can wreak havoc on your car, endangering yourself and other drivers.
Steer clear of these bad car habits as temperatures drop:
Going Without a Battery Warmer
If you live somewhere that gets exceptionally cold in the winter, consider purchasing a battery warmer. These handy tools act as heated blankets, keeping your battery at the optimal temperature to combat the chilly weather. There are many styles, from silicone pads to boxes and fans.
Not Investing in Good Wiper Blades
Having a good set of windshield wiper blades is essential to navigating snowy conditions. Research blades designed for winter to combat ice, snow, and slush as you drive. Standard wipers might dry and crack as temperatures drop, which can be incredibly unsafe on the road.
Skipping Regular Tire Pressure Checks
Tire pressure can drop drastically during the winter. Since cold air contracts and takes up less space, the pressure within your tires decreases.
Regularly check your tires before hitting the road so you can refill them if needed. Keeping tabs on your tire pressure will help your vehicle operate at its best and prevent flat tires.
Leaving Chips in Your Windshield
A chipped windshield is a recipe for disaster when temperatures drop. Even a tiny imperfection can turn into a significant crack in cold weather.
Chilly temperatures strain and place uneven tension on the windshield’s glass, making it more vulnerable to damage. Repair any chips or cracks before it gets too cold so you don’t have to replace the entire windshield.
Slamming on the Brakes
One of the worst things you can do to your car in winter is slam on the brakes. Your brake pads are usually less effective in chilly weather because they can become stiff.
Slamming on them is a surefire way to skid and spin out of control. If the roads are icy or snowy, drive slower than usual and give yourself ample time to brake slowly.
Driving at the Wrong Speed
Most drivers know the dangers of driving too fast on ice or snow, but did you know that going too slowly can also be hazardous? Driving at an appropriate speed protects yourself and others as you navigate the cold weather. Be cautious and aware while driving during winter to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Forgetting to Check Your Tire Treads
Tire treads are essential to staying safe on the road during winter. Exceptionally worn tires don’t provide the proper traction and grip to navigate wet conditions.
You can quickly check your tire treads at home by inserting a penny into a tire groove. If the tread is deep enough to cover Lincoln’s head, your tires are good to go.
Letting Liquids Get Too Low
Forgetting to top off your liquids before hitting the road in cold weather isn’t just inconvenient—it’s unsafe. Cold temperatures make fluids like engine oil and coolant thicken and move slower.
Letting them get too low in the winter can deprive your engine of essential lubrication, causing significant vehicle issues. Check your liquid levels and refill as needed to help your car operate at its peak.
Hitting the Road Without De-Icing Your Windows
Everyone has had those mornings when you rush out the door without stopping to scrape the windshield. However, it’s worth taking the extra few minutes for a safer driving experience.
An icy windshield and windows make seeing the road challenging. Give your car plenty of time to warm up so you can defrost the windows and drive without obstructed vision.
Purchasing the Wrong Wiper Fluid
Set yourself up for success by purchasing a winter-specific windshield wiper fluid. Standard fluids are more susceptible to freezing temperatures, potentially damaging your windshield. Winter or de-icing wiper fluids generally contain more methyl alcohol to resist freezing.
Neglecting the Serpentine Belt
Winter is the perfect time for your vehicle’s serpentine belt to break. Cold air damages the belt by stiffening the rubber and forcing your engine to work harder, causing further strain.
As temperatures drop, you should regularly check your serpentine belt for cracks. Squealing noises, an overheated engine, and the smell of burning rubber are other signs that your belt might be at risk of failure.
Using Hot Water on Frozen Handles
Think twice before pouring hot water on your door handle to unfreeze it. The extreme temperature change can warp the locking mechanism and cause it to break. Instead, use a de-icing spray or gradually warm it with hot air.
Prepare your vehicle before hitting the road
There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with a flat tire or dead battery. Stock your car with these essentials to stay safe at all times.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
