Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready

There is never a convenient time to be stuck on the side of the road, but breaking down or getting stranded in the winter can be both frustrating and dangerous. Proper vehicle maintenance should be practiced all year long, and is particularly important this season as visibility is limited and temperatures drop. (NC)

HEALTHY HABITS

As a general rule, it is a good idea to ensure you have enough fuel to reach your destination safely, but particularly during the winter months when fuel economy can be made worse by snowy conditions. Keeping a fully charged cell phone is also good practice in the event you need to call for assistance. It's also a good idea to always have jumper cables on hand.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

There are certain features that you likely won't know aren't working properly until you need them, so it is important to test them occasionally to ensure they are functioning prior to an emergency. Visibility is very important, so ensure your defrost function and headlights are working, you have a decent snow brush, your windshield wipers are in good shape, and the windshield washer fluid is topped up. Having a spare jug in the trunk is never a bad idea either. The onset of winter is also a good time to inspect your battery, oil and transmission fluid, tire inflation and tread depth, including your spare.

BE PREPARED

In addition to inspecting the roadworthiness of your vehicle, it is a smart move to assemble a winter emergency kit in case you become stranded in an isolated area. Be sure to include warm clothing and blankets, some non-perishable food items, a flash light and batteries, flares or a reflective triangle, a first-aid kit and a small shovel should you need to dig yourself out.