News

 

In Wisconsin, driving in the winter months brings a whole new set of challenges. Slippery roads, blizzardy conditions, and snowdrifts are all circumstances that the winter wonderland weather brings each year. Being prepared for winter driving is important to ensure your safety, and everyone else’s safety, on the roads this season. Here are 3 things you can check off your list before winter to help you prepare for winter driving:

Check Your Fluids

One crucial aspect of your winter driving checklist is checking and filling the fluids. Your vehicle relies on various fluids to keep it fully functional. Fluids lubricate and cool crucial parts of your transmission, and can cause issues when they are too low and unable to assist in the functionality of your vehicle’s components. Getting regular oil changes is one example of routine maintenance. When you get preventative car maintenance, your local auto technicians can inspect and replace (or flush) all fluids. This includes your oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and coolant. When any of these fluids become dangerously low, there will be serious consequences when you operate your vehicle, and the last thing drivers want in the winter months is to be stuck on the side of the road.

Stock Emergency Items

It’s important to be prepared in the case of a vehicle breakdown or in case of an emergency. You can stock your vehicle with emergency items that will help you when a situation becomes dire. Carrying a shovel, ice scraper, and abrasive material such as sand can help you get your vehicle unstuck if you’ve encountered a massive snowdrift. Carry jumper cables to restart a dead battery, whether it be your battery or someone else’s. Go to your local auto shop to determine if you need a battery replacement. A flashlight, blankets, and winter gear are also important to carry. It’s a good idea to have flares to signal other devices in case your vehicle breaks down. You should also carry a cell phone, charger, food, water, and crucial medications if you’re traveling long distances.

Inspect Your Tires for Damage

Damaged tires are dangerous any time of year, but especially in the winter. Your tires should be free of damage and have an adequate amount of tread in order for them to be safe for winter driving. Tire damage can take many forms, such as cracks or cuts in the sidewalls, uneven tread wear, balding tires, bulging, blistering, punctures, and more. If you have a flat tire, ensure you fill it up to its recommended PSI. If your tire is not holding air, it is likely damaged and you need new tires. Moreover, winter driving can be treacherous, so investing in winter tires is a good idea to help you remain safe on the roads. If you find that your tires are damaged and require tire repair to ensure safe driving, take them to your local tire shop.

If you could benefit from preventative car maintenance before winter, new tires, winter tires, or auto repairs near River Falls, contact us at Tire Pros & Wheel Experts. We are happy to offer financing options to ensure you have an affordable payment plan, and safe vehicle operation, during these frigid winter months. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment for any of our auto services, and watch for Part 2 of this blog series.