Get Winter-Ready: How to prepare your vehicle for the cold weather ahead
Eight tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready
Winter is on its way, whether you like it or not. Icy driveways, snow-covered roads, and everything in between are just around the corner. But don't worry. I've been dealing with this stuff for years as the East Coast's roving weather reporter. Don't tell anyone, but I'm kind of excited about it.
Here are some tips I've learned to help you stay ahead of the game by winterizing your vehicle.
Step 1: Top up your windshield washer fluid. You’ll need it on those frosty early morning commutes when gas stations might not yet be open.
Step 2: Get a good snow brush. Make sure it’s long so you can clear off the top of your vehicle. This is the number one mistake I see out there with people driving around under and uncleared vehicle creating their own personal blizzard conditions. Clear all of it!
Step 3: When you see snow is in the forecast, it’s best to back into your driveway so you can easily get out over the pile of snow the plow will inevitably leave at the end of it.
Nathan Coleman backs his Mitsubishi Outlander into the driveway ahead of snowfall. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
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Step 4: Always keep sunglasses in the vehicle. They may seem like more of a summer accessory, but winter glare is a scare.
Step 5: Traction is your best friend. Above all else, one of the best things you can do to prepare for winter is to install winter tires. Better traction means less slipping and sliding. The changing of the season is always a good time to check if you need an oil change too. The cold temperatures can thicken your oil, so changing it up can help prevent engine problems in the dead of winter.
Consider switching to winter tires when the average temperatures dip below 7° C. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
Step 6: Bring extra gear. All you can really do is plan for the worst and hope nothing happens when you head out into the wintry weather on four wheels. I always keep big winter boots in the trunk just in case I get stuck, along with some extra snow pants, a blanket, and even a shovel. You never know when you might need to dig yourself out.
Step 7: Love the gloves. Newer vehicles have steering wheel warmers, but it’s important to keep a pair of gloves handy in case you need to get out and change a tire.
The final step, check if your vehicle has special driving modes. Snow mode will help improve traction and stability on slippery road surfaces.
Snow mode on the Mitsubishi Outlander improves traction and steering control. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
