Winter car care: 3 things to remember

As winter approaches, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to face the difficult driving conditions ahead. Here are three tasks you should complete before the first snowstorm of the season strikes.

1. Inspect your winter tires
To be safe on the road in snowy weather, your winter tires need to be in good condition. If the tread on them is worn, they won’t be able to provide an adequate amount of traction. You can get a mechanic to inspect them or do it yourself.

Some tires have tread wear indicators located inside the grooves. If the indicator is flush with the grooves, the tires need to be changed.

You can also use a quarter: insert the coin inside the tread grooves upside down. If the tire doesn’t cover at least part of Washington’s head, you need to change your tires.

2. Test your windshield wipers
Your windshield wipers are another component on your car that will help keep you safe in wintery weather. Ensure that they’re in good condition by making certain that the blades stay in contact with the glass when they’re in motion and that their movements aren’t jerky. In addition, they shouldn’t be noisy or leave streaks behind. You can also slide your finger along the blades to feel for irregularities.

3. Take care of the interior
Frost on the inside of your windows is often made worse if they’re dirty, so give them a wash before the cold weather arrives. You should also switch your floor mats for plastic ones, as carpeted liners tend to retain moisture, which will make any frost issues worse.

It’s also a good idea to check the owner’s manual to make sure you don’t forget anything. If you need help getting your car ready for winter, your local mechanic will be able to help.