How can I prepare my car for winter weather?

preparing your car for winter weather

If winter this year in Bel Air, Maryland is anything like it was last year, then we probably won’t have to worry much about freezing temperatures and snow.  If it’s anything like the years prior to last year, though, then we might be in for some real whoppers.  According to meteorologist Meghan Evans at AccuWeather.com, this winter is predicted to bring greater-than-normal amounts of snow to the northeast.  I guess we’ll find out very soon if she’s right!

In the meantime, it’s best to be prepared.  So here’s a guide for what you should do to prepare your vehicle for winter weather:

  • Stock your emergency kit.  You never know when you might need it, so go ahead and get it ready for anything that might happen.  Stock flashlights, flares, blankets, good quality ice scrapers, a first aid kit, and sand or salt in case you get stuck somewhere.  If you have the space, you might even want to stock a shovel, radio, batteries, and extra pairs of gloves.

  • Adjust your tire pressure.  Look in your owner’s manual to see what the pressure should be and adjust your tires accordingly.  While you’re at it, give your tires a good once-over.  How’s the tread?  How old are the tires?  If they are in moderate-to-rough shape, replace them now.  You don’t want to be driving on snow and ice with bad tires!  If you have the finances for it, consider getting snow tires, which are designed precisely for slippery surfaces.  They can be extremely helpful in Harford County when we suddenly get a few feet of snow and ice.

  • Check your heater.  You don’t want to get in the car on the coldest day and discover that your heater isn’t working!  If you have seat warmers, go ahead and check them, too.  They might seem like a luxury, but they can really come in handy on an ice cold morning.   

  • Prepare your windshield for the worst.  Time to replace those squeaky, old windshield wiper blades, if you have them.  And in the case of wiper blades, don’t waste time and money on the cheap ones.  It’s just not worth it for anyone who lives in Maryland, where we get a decent amount of precipitation.  Get yourself some really good, strong wiper blades.  Then, replace your windshield washer fluid with the non-freezing variety.  Washer fluid will do you no good if it freezes on your windshield instantly.

  • Schedule your car for regular maintenance.  Bring your car in to Ward Automotive and we will check your car’s vitals to make sure you’re safe and ready for winter.  We can check your oil and change it, if necessary.  We can also check your battery, tires, coolant system, spark plugs, and brakes.  These are some of the most necessary aspects of your vehicle to keep it in good, working condition—especially in the winter.  We can give your car a thorough examination to make sure you’re good to go.

If you are looking for an autobody shop or an auto mechanic to service your vehicle in Harford County, Maryland, you have come to the right place.  Ward Automotive is a division of Bel Air Autobody, Inc, an autobody repair facility with a reputation for quality repair servicing the residents of Harford County for over twenty years.

Our mechanical division called Ward Automotive grew from a need to help our customers receive complete automotive car under one roof.  Our seasoned technicians are highly trained, and we possess the latest tools and equipment to service your car right.  Why not take your car to the shop that knows your car inside and out?

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