While area temperatures have only recently dropped to what we usually expect in the fall, winter will be here before we know it, which means it is time to make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the hazards that come with it.

Each year, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy roads and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so being prepared as possible is key. There are a variety of things you or your mechanic should check before the first big storm.

“We’ll check everything on a vehicle for you to make sure everything's up to snuff before the weather sets in,” Autoworks owner Tracy Sweet said. “It just makes it harder when there's snow to even work on cars.”

Servicing your vehicle and doing a maintenance check 

It's always best to get an oil change done before winter hits. That way, you or a technician can get everything checked over on the vehicle. 

“Everything gets inspected on an oil change when we do it, so  people will come a little bit early if they're not quite due to get that stuff all checked over,” Sweet said.

Your vehicle’s reservoir should be full of high-quality winter fluid with de-icer. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades as well. 

“Usually your oil change technician is checking your wipers and all your fluids,” he said. “There's a winter washer fluid that's good to 20 below zero versus your summer washer fluid that is a zero-type of fluid.”

Also check that there’s enough coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant and drain or replace old coolant.

You or a technician also needs to look over hoses and belts to make sure they are working properly, as cold temperatures can make them brittle and more prone to breaking. The hoses and belts help keep your engine running, so make sure there are no cracks or signs of wear. 

Make sure your brakes are in good working order, as stopping distances increase on icy roads. Also be sure to check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. With darker days and snow limiting visibility, having working headlights is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Cloudy headlights reduce the ability to see and be seen at night, especially in snow and fog.

Check or change your tires

Take a minute to check your tire pressure because as the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Each tire should be filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver's side door frame. 

It’s best to test the tires when they’re cold, meaning they have not been driven on for at least three hours. Also look for any damage like cuts, punctures, scraps or cracks on the tread and sidewalls. The tire tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater. If you place a penny in the tread, the distance from the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head to the edge of a penny is approximately 2/32 of an inch.

“We’ll make sure the tires are wearing evenly, making sure there’s not underinflation wear or overinflation wear, and if there is we’ll recommend you get an alignment done,” Sweet said.

He said some people swap out for winter tires, but with the recent mild winters those tires haven’t been needed. 

Look at your vehicle’s battery strength

Battery power also drops with the temperature. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, so it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check your battery, charging system and belts for any other needed repairs or replacements.

“There’s a simple test for a battery that doesn't take long at all to do, and it tests the integrity of the battery,” he said. “If you get a sluggish start or a slow crank time or your clock is resetting on the dash after you start your vehicle, then most likely your battery is weakening.”

He recommends doing an occasional condition check as well, looking for corrosion on the battery terminals. 

“It used to be that the battery lasted eight to 10 years, but what we're seeing now is three to five years is a pretty standard battery,” Sweet said. “Most batteries, the good batteries you buy, have about a three-year warranty.”

Keep your gas tank half full

Sweet also encourages people to keep the gas tank at least half full during the winter months so you’ll be able to keep warm in case you get stranded by the side of the road. 

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather the NHTSA recommends:

Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.

Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.

Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

You should also have supplies you might need in an emergency such as: 

• a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper

• sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow

• jumper cables, flashlight

• first aid kit

• blankets for protection from the cold

• a cellphone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.

An empty gas tank in winter can also lead to condensation. Drops of water can form on the inside walls of your gas tank, where they eventually slide down. That water could lead to a variety of issues including corrosion in the engine and gas tank, and if it’s cold enough it can freeze in the fuel lines and prevent gas from reaching the engine.

 “It's easier on fuel pumps to keep the tank fuller,” Sweet added. “If you run them down to where they suck any air in the fuel pump, it's always hard on the fuel pump.”

Protect your vehicle’s exterior

Road grime from snowstorms can potentially lead to rust on your vehicle. Washing your car can help prevent long-term damage.

“It's always a good idea to keep the car clean if you can,” he said. “But sometimes it's not an option with the freezing weather, if people don't have a garage to put their car in and they wash them, a lot of times they freeze up and you can't even get in them. So take advantage of those nice days.” 

You can also apply a wax or sealant before winter hits to create a barrier against moisture, or if the car is parked outdoors and not driven daily, use a specialized, weather-proof and breathable outdoor car cover. 

While it may seem like a lot of work, winterizing your vehicle is necessary to ensure it is ready for the elements. A well-maintained vehicle will help you stay warm and safe on the road this winter.