With winter just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your car for the colder months ahead.
Okay, Waco doesn’t actually get that cold, averaging about 66F most of the cooler seasons, but that doesn’t mean frost and snow are impossible. Back in 2021, the biggest snowstorm since 1982 hit Waco, TX, dropping 4.4 inches of snow on the region.
Before that, there were patterings most years, with the last inch-deep snowfall happening in 2011 and three inches in 2010.
So, the trick is to be prepared because when you are, it doesn’t matter if you’re caught out in a snowstorm or not; you’ll know you’re ready, especially when it comes to your car.
So many Waco residents overlook that their cars are just not prepped for snowy conditions, which means increased accidents and maybe even injuries.
Besides, tuning up, servicing, and generally looking after your car is something you should be doing anyway, so take this as your sign to get things under control!
Our team here at Jesse Britts Automotive is here to help with this, as we've got some expert tips and advice on how to winterize your car and keep it running smoothly all season long.
Let’s get into it.
Inspect Your Car
First things first, y'all!
Before the temperature drops too low, it's important to thoroughly inspect your car.
Take a peek at your tires and ensure they have enough tread depth and are properly inflated. You can do this by running your hand around the trench in your tire. If there’s a bit of metal level with the tire tread, it’s too low.
And while you're down there, take a look at your brakes, too.
The last thing you want is a surprise when it comes time to stop on potentially icy roads!
But that's not all - make sure your headlights and windshield wipers are in good condition, too. Visibility is so important during the winter months!
Lastly, don't forget to check your battery. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a dead battery on a cold winter morning. So give it a quick check and make sure there's no corrosion and it has charge.
By taking the time to inspect your car now, you can catch any potential problems before they become bigger issues later on.
Trust us, it's worth the extra effort!
Oil Change and Tune-up
Now you've given your car a quick once-over, it's time to really get it ready for the winter season (and this is something you should be doing throughout the year anyway to ensure your car runs smoothly and you minimize unnecessary repair costs).
We’re, of course, talking about the classic oil change and tune-up! Trust us, y'all - this is crucial to keeping your car running smoothly when the temperatures start to drop.
Old, sludgy oil can really put some extra stress on your engine during those cold winter mornings.
By getting a fresh oil change, you'll be doing your engine a big favor. And a tune-up will make sure everything else is in top condition, too.
We're talking about your spark plugs, filters, and all the other little things that can add up to big problems if they're not taken care of properly.
Winter Tires to Prepare Your Car
Now, when it comes to driving in the wintertime, you can never be too prepared, and that's where winter tires come in!
These bad boys are specially designed to handle all kinds of snowy, icy conditions that we sometimes see here in Waco.
Investing in a set of winter tires will give you better traction and help you avoid accidents on slick roads.
Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing you've done everything you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while out on the road.
Have an Emergency Kit
One of the worst nightmares you can experience is getting stuck in your car out in the middle of nowhere. Whether you’ve experienced a tire bursting, a cold battery that won’t turn over, or the snow has just got so much in the dark that you don’t want to risk driving in, anything can happen.
To ensure you’re safe, sound, and occupied while out in the world, one of the best things you can do is to get yourself an emergency kit and keep it in your car at all times.
You never know what kind of situation you might find yourself in during the winter months, so it's best to be prepared. Make sure to include items like a warm blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks.
That way, if you do find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you'll have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.
Master the Best Winter Driving Tips
Now, we've covered everything you need to do to get your car ready for winter driving - but what about your own driving habits, y'all?
When the weather turns icy, adjusting your driving style is important.
That means driving slower than usual and leaving plenty of distance between you and other vehicles on the road. After all, you never know when someone might hit a patch of ice and start sliding around!
So take it slow, y'all, and avoid sudden movements or slamming on the brakes. Give yourself plenty of time to slow down and come to a stop, and don't be afraid to take things extra easy if the roads are particularly slick.
By following these simple driving tips, you'll be well on your way to staying safe on the road this winter season!
Conclusion
Well, y'all, that's everything you need to know about getting your car ready for winter! We hope you found these tips helpful and informative.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to driving in winter weather, so make sure you take the time to prepare your car, adjust your driving habits, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.
And if you need any help getting your car ready for the winter season, check us out over at Jesse Britt's Automotive. We’re the best in the business, y'all, and they'll make sure your car is running smoothly all winter long.
Or just come and visit us down over at 828 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Thanks for tuning in, and stay safe out there on the roads!
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