Most batteries are good for three to five years. Have your battery tested to ensure that it can hold a charge, and carry jumper cables in the trunk just in case. Remember: Positive to positive terminal (distinguished by a plus sign and often with a red connector), and negative to negative!
Check your windshield wipers: Flying snow and sleet can severely impair your ability to see if your wipers aren't up to the task. Rubber that's cracked or warped won't clear your windshield efficiently. To be on the safe side, replace them. Keep extra windshield wiper fluid in the trunk - you'll go through more of it than in the warm weather, and it also makes a good deicer for frozen wipers.
It's a good idea to keep a container of lock deicer handy as well, it also works great on stuck wipers and frozen fuel door locks.
Try to keep the gas tank full; not only to ensure that you aren't stranded by running out of gas, but to prevent empty fuel lines from freezing.
It's also good insurance that if the worst happens, and you end up stuck or in a ditch, you'll have enough fuel to run the engine every 10-15 minutes to keep warm. A well-stocked emergency kit could even save your life in this case and should include:
Check your windshield wipers: Flying snow and sleet can severely impair your ability to see if your wipers aren't up to the task. Rubber that's cracked or warped won't clear your windshield efficiently. To be on the safe side, replace them. Keep extra windshield wiper fluid in the trunk - you'll go through more of it than in the warm weather, and it also makes a good deicer for frozen wipers.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
It's a good idea to keep a container of lock deicer handy as well, it also works great on stuck wipers and frozen fuel door locks.
Try to keep the gas tank full; not only to ensure that you aren't stranded by running out of gas, but to prevent empty fuel lines from freezing.
It's also good insurance that if the worst happens, and you end up stuck or in a ditch, you'll have enough fuel to run the engine every 10-15 minutes to keep warm. A well-stocked emergency kit could even save your life in this case and should include:
- a warm blanket;
- flashlight;
- flares;
- extra engine fluids;
- a shovel to dig yourself out of snow; and sand, salt or kitty litter for traction;
- first aid kit;
- warm clothes (boots, extra socks, gloves and a hat); and finally,
- water and food such as granola bars.