As much as people dislike talking about the upcoming winter months, there are some preparations drivers should be looking into for the harsher weather ahead.

If your battery is older, it might be a good idea to have it tested at an auto parts store or repair shop. If you’re not ready for a new one, keeping a set of jumper cables, or a battery charger in your vehicle is always a good practice.

Regular oil changes and checks are also necessary to ensure your vehicle is at its peak performance. Checking your owner’s manual to make sure you are using the right viscosity of oil at the recommended levels is important.

Making sure your radiator hoses are not cracked, are still firm but pliable when you squeeze them as well as ensuring you have the right ratio of coolant to water inside the radiator are also essential. Once again, consulting your owner’s manual is necessary.

Rain, sleet and snow are harsh on your wipers blades which are a crucial part of winter driving. Tell-tale signs that it’s time for a new set include missed areas of glass or streaks across your windshield. According to a consumer’s report, some can lose their effectiveness in as little as six months. If snow or freezing rain is in the forecast, keeping your windshield wipers raised off the window once you’ve stopped will prevent them from freezing to the windshield.

Topping up your windshield washer fluid level and making sure to keep an extra jug in your trunk is a good habit to keep, as is making sure your heaters work properly and throw enough heat to defrost your windows.

If you have one, making sure your block heater is in good functioning order is also essential to keeping your engine block warm on those frigid nights.

Making sure your brakes are in good working order with proper fluid levels will be helpful in ensuring you can stop in time to avoid veering off-road or getting into a possible collision in slippery road conditions.

And finally, keeping an emergency kit with flares, non-perishable snack items, a blanket, a flashlight, hat, gloves or mittens, ice scraper, snowbrush, a tow rope, a compact shovel and a bag of kitty litter to give you traction if you get stuck in the snow can also help you in a troublesome situation.

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!