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1. Check your tire pressure:  Tires lose pressure as temperatures drop. Even if winter conditions are mild, remember to check your pressure once a month. If you drive where temperatures consistently approach freezing, consider putting winter tires on your car. Winter tires are made of softer rubber and have tread patterns specifically designed for gripping snowy and icy roads better than all-season tires (they are required winter equipment in Canada). In Central Virginia, All Season rated tires are usually all most of us need. If in doubt, stop by your nearby Allen Tire for a free tire inspection and air pressure check.  https://allentireva.com/contact

2. Get an emergency kit: Carry an emergency kit with gloves, blanket, flares, a shovel, flashlight, water, extra batteries and cell phone charger, as well as an emergency contact list with important phone numbers. You might want to throw in some protein bars too, especially if you’re going to have kids along for the snowy ride. 

3. Inspect your lights: Inspect your headlights and brake lights to ensure they’re fully functioning, which is especially important during winter fog or heavy snow. Here at your nearby Allen Tire, we inspect all your lights as part of every service, not just VA State Inspections. https://allentireva.com/contact

4. Give your battery an exam: Battery capacity is decreased significantly by cold weather. Before the winter months, have your nearby Allen Tire check it to ensure it’s at peak performance. It’s also a good idea to carry jumper cables in your car, should you ever need someone to give you a boost (or provide one to a stranded motorist). https://allentireva.com/contact

5. Don’t forget your wiper blades: The build-up of winter precipitation and salt on your windshield certainly doesn’t help visibility. Buy washer fluid with antifreeze solution to protect visibility; keep it on hand at home and refill it occasionally, especially if it’s a snowy winter. Also check your windshield wiper blades to make sure they are in good working order, or come to a nearby Allen Tire to check or quickly replace them. https://allentireva.com/contact

 

6. Test your heater and defroster: Make sure the heater and defroster are in proper working condition for both comfort and visibility. If in doubt, call or make an online appointment at your nearby Allen Tire where our experienced technicians can ensure they are working correctly. https://allentireva.com/contact

7. Wax your car: A fresh coat of wax before the snow flies can help protect against damage from salt and dirt. 

8. Keep the winter mess out with the right interior mats: Using winter mats in your car can go a long way in keeping your car’s interior clean during the snowy, slushy months.

9. Do a 4-wheel drive check: If your vehicle has 4-wheel drive or All Wheel Drive, have your nearby Allen Tire check it before winter barrels in. Our experienced technicians can ensure the system engages smoothly and that the transmission and gear fluids are at the correct levels. https://allentireva.com/contact

10. Check the oil: Cold weather can reduce your motor oil’s effectiveness. It’s a good idea to have your oil changed to a thinner variety before winter. Check your owner’s manual or ask your experts here at your nearby Allen Tire for the best viscosity level for your climate. https://allentireva.com/contact