December is here, which means Winter is officially 19 days away! Crazy, right? With the upcoming winter season, it’s important that you winterize your vehicle to withstand the cold and stormy conditions. After all, there is nothing worse than the sound of your engine failing to start on a cold morning, or your vehicle breaking down in the middle of the night on a stormy, snowy day. We put together a list of 6 tips to ensure you and your vehicle are ready for winter! Brrr-illiant, right? 

1. Make An Emergency Kit
   There is nothing scarier than your vehicle breaking down and not being prepared.  It is essential to have an emergency kit in your trunk for these situations. Here is a list of items you should pack in your emergency kit:
   – Blanket
   – High-energy snacks (nuts, granola bars, dried fruit)
   – Water
   – 2 flashlights ( 1 large and 1 small)
   – Candles ( to create heat)
   – First-aid kit
   – Road flares
   – Matches or a lighter
   – Fully Charged portable phone charger
   – Battery operated radio
   – Extra battery
   – Spare Tire
   
   
2. Winter Wiper Blades
   Changing your wiper blades is one of the smartest things you can do. Winter wiper blades are stronger and sturdier to ensure they can withstand heavy snow and cold temperatures.
   
   
3. Winter Tires
   With summer long gone, it’s important to change your tires. Winter tires are made with stronger rubber to combat winter weather conditions and keep your vehicle on the road.
   
   
4. Keep your gas tank at least 50%-100% full at all times
   It’s very important to ensure your gas tank is at least half-full throughout the colder months. Why? There are two important reasons for this: first, condensation can cause your gas to freeze, leading to blockage issues and creating problems for your vehicle. The more full your tank is, the less likely this is to happen. 
   Second, it’s hard to predict how bad the weather conditions can get. Prepare yourself by having a full tank of gas to get you through your commute. After all, you wouldn’t want to get stuck, would you? 
   
   
5. Keep essential tools in your trunk
   In the event you get stuck in your parking spot from snow, you should always keep a shovel in your trunk. It’s also a good idea to keep a window scraper to wipe away any snow and ice. Keeping both items in your trunk will make it much easier to get out of this type of situation.
   
   
6. Get a general check-up
   When you are focusing on the big things, the little things are often forgotten. Be sure to get a maintenance check-up for your vehicle to ensure everything is functioning and ready to handle the winter conditions.
   

Feeling overwhelmed with winterizing your vehicle? Bring it to Warrenton Auto Service! With over 50 years of experience, our team of experts will assist you to ensure your vehicle is ready for the winter. Stop by today!