The time to prepare for winter driving is before the cold weather hits. Photo from money.usnews.com

Now that we are six-weeks into the football season and baseball is down to it’s season ending conference playoffs and the World Series, the signs of fall and winter are reminding us that harsh weather will soon be here. Granted, if you live in Southern Florida, Arizona or SoCal, you probably won’t need to read this article. If you live elsewhere, and expect the same type of winter that we had last year… you may want to read up on these tips and start getting ready for Jack Frost.

1. Get Scheduled Maintenance Done

Only a fool would head into winter with a poorly maintained car, and one with drivability problems. This is where we start our winter prep – Get all of the routine and required maintenance done. While you are at it, fix any drivability issues. Cold weather makes existing problems even worse.

2. Cooling and Heating system

Just adding water to the radiator may not be enough. The cooling system should be flushed and filled as recommended by the car manufacturer. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked regularly. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses also should be checked regularly.

Chances are that you’ve been driving around during the summer using air conditioning and other climate control. Run the heater. The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. If the heat is not working properly the heater core may not be working correctly. A bad water pump or a failed thermostat are other problems that can keep your car from getting warm.

3. Check And Inspect The Battery

Inspecting the car’s battery before winter is a priority because cold weather can kill a weak battery in short order. If your battery dies, you could be stranded. Check the battery’s connections and clean off the terminals. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Have your mechanic check your battery with a load tester to identify a weak battery that needs replacing.

Unless you plan on meeting new friends over a dead battery, having a professional check your battery and charging system before cold weather is a smart move. Photo from autos.aol.com

4. Tires

Bad or worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Rotating your tires twice per year is a good practice. Consider changing to winter tires in harsher climates.

5. Have Your Brakes Checked

It goes without saying that without good brakes, you won’t be able to stop, but winter brings all kinds of new problems to the mix. Have the entire system checked by a professional.

6. Lights

Going into the winter season, with shorter days and darker weather, lights are a safety issue. Make sure they work properly. Get your headlight lenses refinished if needed. Make sure every light functions properly.

7. Exhaust System

Exhaust fumes in your car’s cabin can be deadly. Traveling in cold weather means that your windows are probably going to be closed tightly, keeping any air from circulating fumes out of the cabin. Make sure that the exhaust system has no leaks.

You may not need tire chains but checking your tires for tread, cuts and other damage, is a good idea before driving in the snow. Photo from www.21st.com

8. Windshield and Wipers

Windshield wipers fight ice build up, but they also help visibility when the slush on the streets get kicked up on your windshield. Visibility in the dreary winter days is another safety issue.

Check your windshield for rock chips. These rock chips can become large cracks very easily. Water gets into the windshield chips and freezes during colder temperatures, and causes the cracks to spread. If you notice a chip or crack and don’t have time to get it repaired right away, turn on your car’s windshield defrost as soon as you start your car instead of waiting for the car to warm up and then turning the button on. If you let the defrost warm up along with the car, it is far better than having warm air suddenly hit a cold windshield.

9. Emergency Kit

If your winter driving takes you a distance from home, an emergency car kit is essential. Include a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, boots, water, gloves and snacks. Road flares, an ice scraper and jumper cables, sand or kitty litter should also be included.

What other tips do you have for preparing a car for the cold winter months? Share them below in the comments section.