You wouldn't head out into cold weather without bundling up. Your vehicle faces similar challenges as temperatures drop. The bottom line: it needs a little extra care as the mercury plummets. A little preparation before winter sets in may help prevent major headaches later.
What You Can Do
- Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.
- Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check tire pressure often. See your Owner’s Manual for directions and details.
- In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle’s engine.
- Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield can cause nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.
- If you're planning a trip, take a blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid.
- Put on snow tires if you live in major snow belt areas. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for details and recommended practices.
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