It’s time to face the music. Halloween is over, daylight savings has passed, November is here and…
Winter is coming.
It’s time to stock up on Sweaters, crank up the furnace, and last but certainly not least…
Prepare your car for the winter season.
Around here, we’re all about safety preparations. A few simple steps and check-ups could help keep you, your family, and your car safer this winter.
Recommended Winter-Specific Maintenance:
- Check your antifreeze: Antifreeze is essential for your car’s winter protection. Make sure the level is full and that the mixture is close to 50% water and 50% antifreeze.
- Inspect your tires: Winter conditions often result in slick or icy roads. Your tires are your last defense. Make sure you have checked your tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32″ of depth to be safe. Also, be sure to check tire pressure.
- Replace your wipers & check wiper fluid: Make sure your wipers can handle any snow, water, or sleet that falls on your windshield. Also make sure that you have plenty of windshield washer fluid- as you’ll be using plenty over the winter months. Don’t fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid.
- Stay on top of maintenance procedures: Before winter hits is the perfect time to make sure you’ve taken care of annual maintenance. While car trouble is a bummer ANY time of the year, it can be especially complicated and frustrating in winter conditions. Avoid the stress: Make sure you’ve inspected, checked, or cleaned your car’s:
- Battery and battery posts
- Engine oil
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Spark plug wires
- Radiator
- Ignition
- Emergency Flashers
- Exhaust
- Defroster
This list is a good starting point. To be sure that your car is in the safest-possible working condition before winter hits, take it to your mechanic.
The National Safety Council recommends stocking your car with the following items in case of an emergency:
- A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack in case of tire issues
- A shovel
- Jumper cables in case of battery issues
- A bag of salt or cat litter for icy or slick road conditions
- A basic tool kit
- Working flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly colored or reflective clothing
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
- Items to keep you warm, such as heavy mittens, blankets, socks, sweatshirts and a hat
Happy Winter! Be safe out there!
California Casualty specializes in customized auto & home / renters insurance for Educators, Firefighters, Peace Officers, Nurses, & Higher Education Employees. Learn more about our exclusive features and benefits. Get an online quote or give us a call at 1-866-704-8614 today.
Latest posts by California Casualty (see all)
- Educators Receive $1,000 Athletic Grants from California Casualty - May 22, 2024
- Music & Arts Grant Recipients – 2023 - December 1, 2023
- How to Tell When You Need New Brakes - November 20, 2023