What Are 5 Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving?

Winter is HERE! Like other seasonal changes that you make to your wardrobe (to keep you warm and toasty,) it’s an excellent idea to weather-proof your car as well.

What does that mean? Winterizing or weather-proofing your car means preparing the vehicle for the extreme changes in weather – snow, ice, and cold weather.

Following are five helpful tips from Lakeland Hyundai to winterize your car and prepare it for driving in the winters:

Don’t Forget to Check Your Battery

Checking your car’s battery during winter is an IMPORTANT must because car batteries die very quickly due to the extra strain placed on them during the cold weather. In fact, you it is also a great idea to get your car battery tested before the winter comes in. Ensure there is no corrosion on the terminals and replace the battery if needed.

Invest in Good Winter Tires

Good winter tires help in navigating the road and promote safe driving, which is why it’s critical to invest in a set of winter tires from Lakeland Hyundai. You want to buy winter tires that firmly secure the car to the icy and slushy ground and prevent skidding. Even the most high-tech safety systems built into the car will be utterly useless without good winter tires.

Replace Old Wiper Blades with New Ones

For under $20, you can acquire a good set of wiper blades, and installation is very inexpensive if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Please don’t ignore these affordable accessories during the winter, as they can be a big help in the snow.

Make sure to replace old wiper blades with new ones before winter begins in full force.

Don’t Lay the Floor Mats on Top

It isn’t recommended to stack the floor mats (on the driver’s side) on top of one another or use a very thick mat. Otherwise, you risk jamming the accelerator pedal to the floor! Buy winter floor mats instead. 

Switch to Winter-Grade Oil

This should be done at your next oil change. Why? Ideally, you want your engine oil to be thinner; the colder the weather becomes.

When the cold weather arrives, consider moving to a viscosity grade that is suitable for cold weather. If you usually use a 10W-30 oil, make the transition to 5W-30 during the winter.

All of these adjustments are beneficial for driving in the winter, but if you only do one thing, make sure your car has an emergency box. That one goes beyond just keeping your car running smoothly; it also keeps you and your family safe in the event of a winter vehicle breakdown. 

Why not take the first step to preparing your car for the winters and replace your regular tires with ones better suited for slippery roads? Lakeland Hyundai serving residents of Valrico, FL, offers the right tires for your Hyundai model, so visit our tire center today!