» How Prep Your Car for Winter
Monday, December 7th, 2009
Although many MSU students are too busy to think about taking care of their cars while they are busy with the holidays and schoolwork, winter is here and our cars need special attention. I honestly don’t really know beans about cars but I do know that I don’t want to be stuck on the side of an icy wintery road! Here is a good checklist to follow for preparing your car for winter.
1. Check your tires. Make sure your tires have enough tread and air periodically. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much pressure your tires should have, and checking the pressure with a gauge is really simple. Don’t forget to make sure your spare tire has air in it too!
2. Fill ‘er up! Keep your car full of wiper fluid/anti freeze to ensure good visibility. We often don’t know we are low on fluid until we run out! (I like to keep a jug in my car just in case) Keep plenty of gas in your car at all times because if it gets really cold out and the tank is running low the gas can freeze.
4. Be prepared for emergencies. Keep an emergency kit with you at all times! This kit should include blankets, flashlights, water, a few non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, an extra battery, and a first aid kit.
5. Make sure your heater, defroster and rear defogger are working properly. It is too dangerous to drive with fogged up windows.
6. Replace your wipers. Windshield wipers don’t last very long in the winter so be prepared by having an extra set available or replace them before they are unusable. Many auto shops will install your wipers for free if you buy them right in their store.
Last but not least, if the roads are really bad just stay in. Plus, if you do stay in it doesn’t have to be boring. You can always head down to Chandler Crossings clubhouse and play the wii instead of driving around East Lansing’s slippery roads!
- Katelyn Moore
Tags: car tips, cold weather prep, college car tips, driving in the snow, winter driving, winter roads
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