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Mitigating the Risk of Driving in Winter

As summer turns to fall, most people already begin their winter preparations. It is sensible, as the fall season can be quite short some years. Moreover, one of the challenges is to ensure your car is prepared for driving during the winter months.

Here are some tips that will help you ensure that your car is in excellent condition for the cold winter ahead.

1. Prepare an emergency kit

Having a small box or suitcase in your trunk with winter supplies is a handy way to prepare for the worst. Say you are taking a long trip and your car breaks down. If you have items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, flares, blankets, and some warm clothes, you will be in much better shape! And don’t forget your mobile phone car or portable charger to make sure you can call for help if you need to.

2. Check Antifreeze Levels

When the levels of antifreeze in your car are optimal, you do not need to worry about your engine freezing on cold days. Make sure you check your antifreeze levels when the weather is still pleasant, as it is not a good idea to take the risk of an engine freeze during a very cold night!

The same applies to your windshield fluid. Using special fluid that is designed for the winter will take care of the freezing problem!

3. Check your tires

Good tires can make all the difference to staying safe in various winter conditions. Tires that are the correct pressure and have the proper tread depth will make your car much safer to drive.

4. General Maintenance: Battery, brakes and heater

While checking the brakes is a no-brainer, we still had to mention it!

Batteries have a life span of five years and a reduced capacity in the cold. A dead battery is no fun first thing in the morning. Neither is being stuck in traffic in the cold without a heater for that matter!

5. Inspect your lights

Make sure that there are no cracks in the lights and that they are all in perfect working condition.

And always remember to check that your motor insurance policy is in force, and with you at all times, just in case!