Be Ready for the Winter Road Ahead

January 18, 2020

Winter Car Kit

Every vehicle should carry at least the following items during the winter season, according to the Department of Transportation:

  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit
  • Cellphone charger
  • Boots and gloves
  • Ice scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Bottled water
  • Blankets
  • Flares

With temperatures topping 50 degrees in our service territory, the last thing you might be thinking about is driving in winter conditions. But now is actually a great time to take the following steps to ensure your vehicle is working properly when colder weather eventually arrives:

  • Check tire tread for good traction on slippery surfaces. Insert a quarter into the tread, with George Washington’s head going in first. If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK. Do this test at multiple spots around each tire. Tires should be replaced if they don’t pass the test.
  • Make sure to top off windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze and oil.
  • Inspect your windshield wipers – looking for cracks and wear on the blades. Always replace wipers in pairs.