With winter (sort of) just around the corner, and all its soul-sucking glory on the way, it’s important to have our vehicles in top form to handle all craziness 
the season can throw at us. Winter is generally the most stressful time on our vehicles, and generally the most stressful time on us drivers, so here are 7 tips to help make your winter a little easier:
1. Take your car in for a full tune up BEFORE the winter weather hits. Don’t wait for problems to arise before getting your car looked at. Make sure your brakes, battery, thermostat and heater are all functioning as they should. Have your belts and hoses looked at (they are most likely to snap in the winter). Consider winterized wiper blades and wiper fluid with anti-freeze.
2. Check the tread on your tires. If it is worn down, replace them. Consider winter tires, which are designed to provide the traction needed for winter driving. Good tires are one of the most important keys to avoiding winter accidents.
3. Keep your gas tank over half full at all times. A low gas level can lead to freezing pipes in your vehicle, causing permanent damage.
4. Put together a survival kit for your car with items that will aid you in an emergency.
5. Keep an ice scraper, extra clothes and a warm blanket in your car at all times.
6. Always have a fully charged cell phone on you when driving in the winter. It’s your life line to contacting help quickly, which is key in extreme winter weather.
7. Have some extra water and food on hand. A couple liters of water and a few protein or granola bars should suffice.
Driving in the winter can sometimes be about as pleasant as receiving a root canal from your mother-in-law, but if you follow these steps hopefully your winter months can be a little easier and you can avoid any serious problems.
FOR RELATED ARTICLES, CHECK OUT HOW TO MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT FOR YOUR CAR AND HOW TO CREATE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT FOR YOUR CAR.
Good luck and stay prepared!
