While winter is generally mild in Alabama and the rest of the southeastern U.S. cities like Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery doe experience some cold weather, which can make winter driving conditions hazardous. While it’s crucial that you practice safe winter driving habits, it’s just as important to ensure your car is well-prepared for the snowy and icy roads. If you’re wondering how to winterize your vehicle, the tips below are sure to help you out.
Contact the car accident attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 if you sustain an injury that was caused by another driver’s negligence while driving this winter.
Keep an Eye on Your Tire Pressure
Since cold weather may cause your tire pressure to drop, you should make sure your tires are properly inflated at all times. Driving with properly inflated tires is a must for safe traction in the winter.
Change Your Wiper Blades
Over time, wiper blades can crack and split. When this occurs, they cannot perform at their optimal level, which makes it dangerous for you to drive in rainy or snowy weather. Therefore, you should change your wiper blades and consider investing in winter-ready ones that offer greater durability.
Prepare Your Wiper Fluid
Your wiper fluid is just as important as your wiper blades. If you don’t have enough wiper fluid, you won’t be able to wash away winter debris. For the winter season, it’s a good idea to fill your wiper fluid reservoir with special wiper fluid that features antifreeze properties.
Pack a Winter Car Tool Kit
Since rain, snow, and ice can occur when you least expect it, a winter car tool kit will ensure that you are prepared for any road conditions this winter. Gloves, an ice scraper, shovel, booster cable, and a small wrench set are all items you should include in your kit to protect yourself from any harsh winter conditions.
Change Your Oil
The colder weather can hinder the quality of your oil. Since oil is what keeps your engine running smoothly, you should get an oil change before hitting the road in the winter months.
Check Your Brakes
Take a look at your brake fluid and refill it if necessary so that your brakes are prepared to operate in the cold. If you notice that your brakes are constantly whining, your brake pads are likely worn, and you will likely need to replace them.
Inspect Your Battery
On cold winter days, your vehicle’s battery power can reduce by up to 50 percent. For this reason, you should test your battery and check it’s capacity to make sure it can hold a charge. If your battery is more than four years old, you may want to consider replacing it so that your car operates properly during the winter months.
Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full
Your gas tank should be at least half full all winter long. This way, you can prevent moisture from freezing in your gas lines and ensure you don’t get stuck on a snowy winter road.
Contact the Alabama Car Accident Lawyers with Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C.
Although there is less snow and ice in Alabama than in northern states, harsh winter road conditions do arise, making it essential for you to winterize your car. Despite your efforts to make your car safe for this season, you may find yourself in a winter car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. If this occurs, call the car accident lawyers with Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 for a free consultation regarding your case. With offices in Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, our attorneys can help you at a location nearest you.
