Winter is beginning to set in here in Colorado. We have already had a couple of snowstorms so I had to get our vehicles ready for winter driving. I have also been asked recently what are some things to check before winter really starts. I have put together a list of 5 things to do to prepare your vehicle for winter driving. Let’s jump right in.

1. Check your Battery. If your vehicle won’t start, all the other things don’t matter as you won’t be going anywhere. Or worse yet, if you get stranded and your battery dies it could potentially leave you in a very bad spot. First, do a visual inspection of all cables and connections. Make sure they are nice and tight and there is no corrosion or bad connections. Then, test the battery. You can do this with commercially available battery testers, or just take your vehicle to the auto parts store. They can usually test it for free. If its getting weak, consider replacing it. A weak battery will only get weaker in cold weather.
2. Check Your Tires. First, check your tread depth with a depth gauge (more links below) or just use a simple quarter. Place Washingtonss head into the tread of your tire and your tread should come up past his head. This is a rough indication you have an adequate amount of tread left. If the tread doesn’t reach his head, you should consider replacing your tires. Next, check your tire pressure, and inflate to the pressures indicated on the sticker inside your drivers door.
3. Visibility. If you cant see clearly, you cant drive safely. Make sure you have Ice Scrapers and Snow Brushes handy and accessible. (links Below). You need to be able to clean off your vehicle before hitting the road. Next check your wiper blades. If they’re torn, streaking or otherwise not working great, now is the time to replace them. While you’re at it grab some winter blend windshield washer fluid and fill up the reservoir now. Please don’t use plain water. It can freeze in there and cause you problems. (links below)
4. Check your antifreeze level and temperature rating. First check to see if your reservoir is topped off at the correct level. If you need to add some, make sure you use the correct type for your vehicle. Lots of vehicles these days have a specific antifreeze they require. Make sure you use the right one. I also like to check the temperature rating my vehicle is protected to. Using an inexpensive antifreeze tester, you can measure your antifreeze to make sure you protected to a low enough temperature.
5. Check all other systems. Now is the time to check all other systems in your vehicle. Make sure things like your heater, defrost, lights, 4 wheel drive and other important things are working. You don’t want to run into some bad weather and then find out your 4WD isn’t working. Get it fixed now. This could result in a trip to the repair shop but don’t wait until its too late.

Bonus! I have also included a bonus tip. Prepare a vehicle emergency kit that you can keep in your vehicle at all times. I recommend including things like a first aid kit, water, snacks, Hand Warmers, and other things that will keep you going in case you have to spend a night in your vehicle for some reason. I use an inexpensive backpack for mine because its easy to grab in case I have to abandon my vehicle. At least I’ll have some supplies with me.

If you do these things, you’ll increase your chances of having a trouble free winter driving season. There’s no reason to let a little snow hold you back from driving. Just be prepared and you’ll be just fine. Have a great winter and stay safe and warm. Check out the video below. Thanks for stopping in.

— Affiliate Links to Products Mentioned —
Tire Tread Depth Gauge (analog) – https://amzn.to/2Nvu3yh
Tire Tread Depth Gauge (Digital) – https://amzn.to/36s0mGW
Tire Pressure Gauge (analog) –  https://amzn.to/2Wxs94o
Tire Pressure Gauge (digital) – https://amzn.to/36rgvfS
Ice Scraper (small) – https://amzn.to/2NxPyyE
Ice Scraper with Snow Brush – https://amzn.to/2qabE26
Windshield Washer Fluid, 1 Gallon – https://amzn.to/36oY4sm
Antifreeze Tester – https://amzn.to/2q94RWy
Hand Warmers – https://amzn.to/2C27j3w

— Other Recommended Items for your Car
Heavy Duty Jumper Cables – https://amzn.to/2WG7ETi
First Aid Kit – https://amzn.to/2C3WnTm
Foldable Shovel – https://amzn.to/2PBNvMA
Tire Chains (check your size) – https://amzn.to/2WyIFkv

Want to see some other Automotive videos? Here’s a playlist with a collection of some different car related videos.