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Being prepared for winter driving can save you from a potentially dire situation. Snow, ice, sleet, wind, and freezing temperatures can all impact a vehicle during the winter months in different ways. Part 1 of this blog series noted that filling your vehicle’s fluids, stocking your car with emergency gear and items, and inspecting your tires for damage (and getting tire repairs) are all important parts of a winter driving checklist. Here are 3 more important things to consider when it comes to being prepared for winter driving:

Check Your Windshield Wipers 

After a while, your windshield wipers just won’t clear the windshield like they used to. If you notice that the rubber on the wiper blades is cracking or if the blade is bent or damaged, these signs point to the need for new windshield wipers. Wipers that leave streaks on your windshield or squeak excessively also indicate that you could benefit from a windshield wiper replacement. Some people use their blades during the winter by using the blades to chip off the ice that has solidified on the windshield, but this can cause damage quickly. It’s best to use an ice scraper and/or your defrosters when you’re able. During the winter months, we often see snow flurries that can quickly cause an obstruction of vision while driving, and your windshield wipers will be essential. Contact your local auto shop if you need new windshield wipers.

Preventative Vehicle Maintenance

The best way to ensure you’re prepared for a dire situation is to take preventative measures to ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Get a flat tire? Carry a spare and/or call local roadside assistance. Have a dead battery? Carry jumper cables. There are so many things you can bring with you to ensure you are prepared. However, preventative car maintenance can help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. When you take your vehicle into Tire Pros & Wheel Experts, the auto technicians can perform several services to help ensure your vehicle is going to operate safely and smoothly during the winter months. It’s always best for drivers to be aware of any potential things that could go wrong.

Fill Your Tires Regularly

Winter brings freezing temperatures that can cause driving to be more strenuous than it is during the spring, summer, and autumn. Cold temperatures impact the air in your tires; during the winter, your tires will lose air much faster and you’ll need to fill them up regularly to maintain safe tire pressure. It’s important to check your PSI regularly to avoid driving around with low tire pressure and risking a flat tire. Low tire pressure can also lead to uneven tread wear and cause tire damage after too long. If you notice your TPMS light is on, this means your tires are significantly underinflated, and it should be addressed immediately. Your local tire shop can help you determine if you have preexisting tire damage. It’s also a good idea to invest in winter tires, which are designed for winter weather and can better handle the driving conditions unique to the coldest season of the year.

Contact your local auto shop near Roberts if you need new windshield wipers, for preventative car maintenance, tire repair services, or new tires. At Tire Pros & Wheel Experts, we know how important it is to be prepared for the treacherous winter driving conditions. Contact us today for any of our auto services to help ensure you’re ready to go this winter. Watch for Part 3 of this blog series for a few more key points of winter driving preparedness.