Fall is here, and that means that winter is just around the corner. The Atlanta area usually doesn’t see the accumulation of snow like northern regions do, but we do get our fair share of ice storms. By preparing your car for winter now, you can help avoid the headache of being stranded without essential cold-weather supplies.

Preparing Your Car for Winter

Preparing your car for winter is a snap with these 8 easy steps.

1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

Emergency kits contain all the essential items that you could need in case your car breaks down unexpectedly. These kits are useful at any time of year but can be especially valuable during the winter.

You can buy pre-assembled emergency kits at your local auto shop, or you can create one of your own.

Pack your winter weather emergency kit with:

• Gloves
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Cat litter or sand
• Road salt (if your area allows it)
• High-energy snacks like granola bars or trail mix
• Coolant
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Radio
• Extra phone charger (battery pack)

Although this list covers the needs of most individuals, families or people traveling with pets may find it useful to include extra items like diapers, baby formula, or pet food as needed. Customize your emergency kit to best fit your needs.

2. Have an Oil Change

Cold temperatures thicken oil, which makes it more difficult to properly lubricate the engine. The end result is potential damage to your engine which could lead to costly repairs.

3. Change Your Windshield Wiper Blades

In general, changing your windshield wiper blades twice a year is the best way to keep your windscreen squeaky clean.

Depending on where you live, road salt and pollutants can lead to a film on your windows that decreases visibility. Older or worn out windshield wiper blades may cause smudging. Replacing the blades on a regular basis will ensure that you’re always able to see clearly.

4. Check Your Tires

The change in temperature naturally affects the pressure in your tires. Your local tire shop can easily check the PSI (pounds per square inch) in your tires and adjust the amount of air within a few minutes.

Another important consideration for winter driving is the amount of tread that is on your tires. Tires with adequate tread will give you maximum traction on hazardous conditions, while tires that have low tread or are ‘balding’ can lead to slippage and potential accidents.

5. Keep Your Gas Tank Full

During the winter, keeping your gas tank at least ½ full can prevent corrosion within the gas tank. Condensation can build up inside the tank, leading to damage and potentially requiring a replacement. Condensation is absorbed by gasoline in tanks that are at least half full.

6. Have Your Battery Tested

Do you know how long your battery has been in your car? If you’re like most people, this may be a mystery, especially if your car was purchased used.

Cold weather decreases the lifespan of your battery and could potentially leave you stranded. You can get the charge tested by your local mechanic and have a replacement battery installed or on hand as needed.

7. Add Antifreeze to Your Coolant and Windshield Wiper Reservoirs

Adding antifreeze to your coolant and windshield wiper reservoirs is a quick and easy step that will prevent cracks or breaks in the tanks or pipes resulting from frozen liquids.

You can purchase antifreeze at your gas station or local auto shop. Many grocery stores carry antifreeze as well.

8. Visit T3 Atlanta

Last but not least, by bringing your car into T3 Atlanta for an inspection, you can ensure that your car is in top shape for the winter months. We’ll inspect your belts and hoses, perform tune-ups, top off fluids, and much more.

There’s nothing like getting stuck on the side of the road when the thermometer is below 30 degrees! By preparing your car for winter, you’ll be ready for whatever weather strikes the Metro area this year.