Winter often means dangerous driving conditions, including freezing temperatures, wind, snow, and ice. However, you can prepare your car for these challenges with basic maintenance tasks, such as getting an oil change and refilling the fluids. Follow these steps to get your vehicle winter-ready.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

1. Get an Oil Change

As a rule of thumb, you should get an oil change every 5,000 miles or every six months. Late fall or early winter is the perfect time to schedule it in order to minimize the risk of engine issues due to low or dirty oil during the winter, a dangerous time for a breakdown.

2. Refill Fluids

Check your car’s fluids and top off any that are getting low. Your wiper fluid is essential to keep your windshield clear and maximize visibility in bad weather, while filling up your antifreeze is crucial for preventing your engine coolant from freezing.

3. Get Snow Tires

Snow tires are designed to give you the best possible grip on frozen roads. They make driving, steering, and braking easier and give you better control of the vehicle to minimize the risk of slipping or spinning out.

4. Check the Battery

Just like an oil change, proactively checking your battery helps ensure that you don’t get stuck in bad weather. Many auto shops offer free, five-minute battery tests that you can take advantage of. If your car does break down, a fresh battery will ensure you have light and heat until help arrives.

5. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

If your car does break down in the snow, you want to be prepared. Keep warm clothes and blankets in your vehicle, along with a flashlight, emergency road flares, food and water, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. These items will ensure you stay safe until help arrives.

If you need an oil change or tuneup to prepare for the winter, schedule a visit to Daves Auto in Spokane County, WA. They’ve been in business for almost 40 years and have developed a reputation for convenience, reliability, affordability, and customer satisfaction. To make an appointment with this family-owned mechanic, call (509) 235-6123 or reach out online.