Winter is coming. Instead of fighting over the iron throne, it’s time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for snowier conditions. At Warrenton Auto Service, we care about your safety, so keep reading for your ultimate guide to winter driving.

Winter tires

A proper set of winter tires is your best defence against icy and snowy conditions. Make sure to get your winter tires installed before the snow starts to fall to avoid unexpected weather conditions and long waits at auto shops. You can either have a separate set of tires only used in the winter, a set of all-season tires, or a set of mud and snow tires depending on your location and driving requirements.

Wiper blades and fluid

Check that your windshield wipers are working properly. Better yet, switch them out for winter blades to hold up against heavy snow and ice. It’s also important to ensure that you have plenty of antifreeze windshield washer fluid for those icy mornings.

Battery

Avoid failed engine starts this winter by taking proper care of your car battery. Perform regular maintenance, test your battery for sufficient charge, and try to park in covered areas. For more information on car batteries, check out our blog post – How to Care For Your Car Battery This Winter.

Emergency equipment

Prepare your vehicle with proper emergency equipment for the winter. These items should include warm clothing, blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, and snow shovel. You never know when an emergency will strike, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Maintenance checkup

If you’re on the road frequently in the winter, it’s a good idea to bring your car into your local auto shop for a maintenance checkup. Warrenton Auto can help tune up your vehicle so it runs smoothly all winter long.

Drive slow

Now that your vehicle is ready to hit the icy roads, it’s time to think about how you drive. The first rule of driving in winter conditions is to drive slower and leave plenty of space between vehicles to avoid slippery encounters.

Accelerate and brake slowly

Winter is not the season to put the pedal to the metal, so remember to accelerate and brake slowly. This will prevent you from skidding out and losing control of your vehicle.

Driving in the winter is never fun, but being prepared is your best defence against accidents and other emergency situations. If you’d like your car checked by auto service professionals before you venture out on the icy roads, contact us today!