Winter Checklist for Vehicles: How to Winterize Your Car

Summer driving in Michigan is an entirely different experience than winter driving. This makes preparing your vehicle for winter driving extremely important. It also involves more than simply tossing a winter car emergency kit in your trunk. Use the following checklist to make sure you’re ready to hit the roads this winter.

Do the penny test

Winter road conditions require good traction. You’ll want to make sure your tires are ready. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be a tire expert to make sure your tires are ready for winter. If you have a penny, that’s all you need to get started.

Place a penny in the groove of your tire, with the top of Lincoln’s head going into the tread first. Push the penny as far as it will go into the tread. Can you still see the top of Lincoln’s head? If you can, this means the tread has worn down and it’s time to replace the tires.

Air up

Preparing your vehicle for winter driving includes making sure your tires are properly inflated. If the air pressure is too low, this can cause hazardous driving conditions. Use a free pump at a local gas station to check the pressure in each tire. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a local mechanic for assistance.

Create a snowmobile

For the winter months, consider switching out your summer tires for winter tires. These are made specifically for handling rough terrain and slippery surfaces. If you plan to drive a lot in Royal Oak, MI during the winter, these are a good investment to keep your time on the road safer.

Keep in mind that snow tires reduce your gas mileage. It’s worth the sacrifice for safety, but be sure to switch back to summer tires after the season is over to improve your fuel efficiency.

Keep up the good work

Regular maintenance is an essential part of preparing your vehicle for winter driving. Before harsh weather hits, get your oil changed and change the antifreeze. An overall inspection and tune-up are great preventative maintenance steps for your vehicle. They will prevent repairs and breakdowns during the winter months.

Prevent frostbite

Have you checked your heater performance lately? Be sure your heater is working properly before the cold weather arrives. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic or complete a long haul without a good working heater.

Stay charged

Cold weather is tough on car batteries. You don’t want to end up stranded in the cold. Inspect your vehicle’s battery and replace it if it’s nearing the end of its life. Be sure to include an inspection of the cables and fluid.

Get more tips

For more tips on winterizing your car in Royal Oak, MI or what to include in your winter car emergency kit, contact the team at OUR Credit Union. Our mission is to deliver top services for complete customer satisfaction, all while helping you meet your financial goals. Reach us today to learn more about our great rates on auto loans and how we can help you stay warm in a new car this winter.