Winter is quickly approaching, and it’s time to consider how you will prepare your car for the change in the weather. These tips will help you prepare ahead of time!
Consider Winter Tires
Even though we don’t get a ton of snow here in middle Tennessee, the temperatures do regularly fall below 45 degrees. All-weather and summer tires are effective up to about 45 degrees, after which they lose efficacy quickly. When your tires lose efficacy like this, it means that they aren’t gripping the road the way they should, which can be treacherous in cold weather. Regardless of whether or not there is ice/snow on the road, if you lose traction while you’re driving, it can lead to a collision.
Check Tire Pressure
Cold weather will cause the air pressure in your tires to drop, then you’ll drive and the air will heat up and expand again, and the cycle repeats when you park at the end of the day. To prevent excessive wear and tear on your tires, which could lead to overly worn/damaged tires, check your tire pressure at least once a week in the winter. If you find that you have to reinflate your tires very regularly in the winter, it might be a good idea to invest in an air compressor to reduce those trips to the gas station!
Keep the Tank Half-Full
Keeping the tank half-full in the winter has several advantages. First, it will prevent you from running out of gas should you find yourself stuck in a major traffic jam caused by someone else’s collision or stuck in the snow yourself. Second, it can help your car stay grounded and weighed down, which will help you keep traction if the roads get icy.
When the forecast calls for snow and ice, it’s a good idea to fill your trunk with extra weight, too. Common trunk weights include kitty litter and bricks, but use whatever heavy objects you have on hand.
Make an Emergency Kit
It’s always better to be over-prepared, so get a winter emergency kit ready for your car and keep it in the trunk at all times. Your kit should include extra layers of warmth like gloves, blankets, hats, and hand/foot warmers, rubber boots, an ice scraper, a flashlight with extra batteries, a phone charging bank, bottled water, and filling snacks like nuts, granola bars, and protein bars.
Schedule a Winter Tune-Up
If you really want to be prepared for cooler temperatures this winter, make an appointment for an all-over inspection and general tune-up with us at Wilson County Hyundai.
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