While you are busy gearing up for the official arrival of summer, and all the warmth and beautiful weather that it brings, unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. In just six short months, we will be back to winter, where parts of the country will experience cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Winter driving can be some of the most treacherous driving there is, which is why drivers need to prepare their cars accordingly.
So, if you want to be sure you’re ready to tackle the roads in a safe manner this winter, there are some items you’ll want to invest in for your car. Because these items aren’t cheap, it can help to start saving for them well before winter comes. Here’s a look at the top items that can really make a difference when it comes to winter driving safety.
Winter Tires
Of course, the number one item that you’ll want to purchase for your vehicle is a good set of winter tires. Even though they can be pretty pricey, they will help expand the lifetime of your all-season or summer tires since both sets won’t be used all year long.
If you’ve never bought winter tires before, and you feel your all-season is enough to get you through the winter, it may be time to think again. Winter tires are able to offer superior traction, handling, and grip, which can make a massive difference on icy slippery surfaces. They can also cut through deep snow much better, giving you better control over your vehicle.
What makes the tires so great is the fact that the rubber compound used is flexible, and the tread design is unique to winter tires specifically. Depending on your car insurance provider, you may even get a discount if you use winter tires.
Tire Chains
Tire chains are one of those things that can take your car from having a decent grip in the winter to providing you with exceptional control. With that said, you will have to check with your state laws to see if tire chains are permitted. There are some states that don’t permit the use of them, some that leave it up to the driver, and some that will dictate that you need to use them in a snow emergency.
Give Your Battery a Test
This final tip may or may not end up costing you money, depending on the result. Because cold weather can be very trying on a battery, you want to be sure it’s got the power needed to get you through the winter. You can easily purchase an inexpensive battery tester and test your battery at home, just to be sure.
If your battery shows signs that it is having a hard time holding its charge, this is a good indication that it’s time to replace it.
Prepping Your Vehicle
While prepping your car for winter driving isn’t exactly cheap, when it comes to the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road, it’s hard to put a price tag on what that’s worth.
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