While the weather outside might seem pleasant, the unpredictable autumn and frigid winter are right around the corner. From sudden showers and falling leaves to slushy highways and snow-packed neighborhoods, Massachusetts drivers must soon brave dangerous conditions. Now is the time, then, to take steps to make sure you and your vehicle are both safe.
All drivers have a certain sense of the precautions that they must take on icy, snowy roads, even though a small portion do not seem to heed the advice of experts. Reduce speeds, increase follow distance and turning into a slide are all words of wisdom that can help a winter driver but what of general vehicle maintenance? With some time before the truly harsh weather sets in, drivers can correct issues and get in the habit of winter car care.
Check your tires: Are you using all-season tires? Is it time to replace them? If a replacement is necessary right around the corner, it is wise to take care of it before driving on bad tires in the snow.
Check your wiper blades: Are you noticing cracking? Do they leave streaks when cleaning or clearing the windshield of rain? This is generally a quick fix, but it is wise to accomplish it when less stress is involved.
Check your battery: When the temperature drops, so does battery power. You can examine the battery to determine how much life is left in it.
Additionally, some habits to get used to can include regularly checking tire pressure, regularly checking washer fluid levels and keeping more than a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle.
Winter can sneak up on many drivers and ruin what would normally be a safe trip. From a work commute to completing household errands, drivers rely on a safe vehicle to get them from place to place without collisions and catastrophic injuries.
