Tips on Preparing Your Car for Winter

JACKSON, Mich. –– Although this winter has been much milder than in recent years, it's still important to keep your vehicle prepared in a number of ways for harsh weather. Even if you regularly keep up with maintenance like tire rotations, oil changes, etc., this is the perfect time of year to check many components on your car. Cold weather takes a toll on your car whether you like it or not, but these tips on preparing your car for winter will help it stay in good shape through the worst weather.

• Take inventory and renew winter safety items in your car. A brush/ice scraper tool, first aid kit, extra gloves, flashlight, blanket, cell phone charger, and snacks are all great items to keep on hand just in case!
• Make sure your tires have enough tread. You can check your tread at home using the penny method. Bald tires are terrible in the snow and a danger when driving in inclement weather. If you don't have winter or all-season tires, they're a safety component you might want to consider.
• Check your heater, defroster, and lights. If these are working properly, you're good to go. Make sure to also check the hazard lights. Large safety components like these are important for visibility. 
• Have your battery tested professionally. You've probably heard cold weather is especially hard on batteries. If your battery isn't performing great, you'll have trouble even getting out of the driveway. 
• Have your brakes checked. Make sure your brakes have enough stopping power. They could be the thing that saves your life, so optimal performance is necessary in bad weather.
• Replace wiper blades and fill up on wiper fluid. Your wiper blades are there to help visibility in inclement weather. Don't be afraid to spend a little more on a quality pair so they'll last longer and get you through bad weather with clear vision. If you're putting new wiper fluid in, use some that's made for freezing weather.

Make sure to always drive slow in ice and snow! Hopefully these tips on preparing your car for winter have made it easy on you. If you need us to professionally check any of the components listed we'd be happy to help on any auto service, including oil changes. We have plenty of great winter ready used cars on our lot we'd love to show you!

Seymour Ford Lincoln is located at 2601 Seymour Road in Jackson, Michigan 49201. No matter what your auto need, we will work hard to ensure you never leave our dealership unsatisfied! Visit us at SeymourFord.com and SeymourLincoln.net or give us a call at (517) 787-9500.

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