Winter Is Coming: Is Your Car Winter-Weather Ready?

Check Your Tires 

Check your tires, check your tires, check your tires—did we mention that you should check your tires? Most importantly, check your tires now, before it starts snowing. October is a good month to check your tires and get them replaced if necessary because there are many parts of the country that see snow in October. Driving on old, worn-down tires can cause accidents because the worn-down tread means that it can take significantly longer for a car to come to a complete stop. If you’ve recently purchased a used car, you should still get the tires checked, even if you purchased it from a dealership. Many dealerships get their cars from out of state, meaning that your car could have come from a state that didn’t see a lot of snow and, as a result, doesn’t have snow tires. 

Do You Need New Wipers? 

If you need new wipers, you’ll need to get them before the nasty weather begins—ideally before rain becomes a regular feature in the weekly forecast. Wipers that are old and damaged can actually decrease visibility when the snow and/or rain is really coming down. Sometimes old wipers can fly off your car without warning. If this happens, you should stop by an auto shop to get a replacement immediately. It’s not unheard of for couples to have one person who does all the car maintenance. If you’re in this situation, you may be tempted to just wait until your spouse can pick out some wipers and replace them—don’t do this. If you don’t have wipers, stop by the nearest auto shop and pick some up. Auto shops can tell you exactly which wipers your car will need, and they will often put them on for you, free of charge.  

What’s In Your First Aid Kit? 

Every car should have a first aid kit. If you have a first aid kit in your car, you may have forgotten that you even have it since it sees such little use. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need it. Different situations will require different first aid kits. For example, you probably don’t need a first aid kit for your car that contains all the same stuff as the first aid kit you have for your boat. Research all the items you’ll need for your first aid kit. There are many reputable sources that have info on what you’ll need in the first aid kit for your car. If you have medical conditions, special needs, or other extenuating circumstances, you may need additional items in your first aid kit. For example, if you are diabetic, you may need to add glucose tablets to your first aid kit. If you have a baby, you may need to add additional items specifically for the baby. 

Time to Check Those Brakes 

You don’t want to find out that your brakes need to be replaced during a snowstorm. Check your brakes, especially if there are signs that there may be trouble in paradise. You should not hear, feel, or smell anything when you apply your brakes. If you hear any grinding when you come to a stop or slow down, that’s a sign that you need to get your brakes checked. Some people have mentioned that the feel a vibrating sensation when their brakes have worn out. Others have said that their car pulls to one side and/or takes longer to come to a complete stop. If you experience any of these sensations, it’s time to get your brakes checked. 

Does Your Car Have the Essentials? 

Other than a first aid kit, there are some essentials that you may want to consider keeping in your car at all times. You should always have a phone charger, for example. It may be important to have blankets in your car as well as some non-perishable food items that can be consumed in a pinch. If you live somewhere that has heavy snow, you may wish to consider investing in a set of tire chains. It may also be nice to have a shovel as well as salt in your car. Certain types of cars are notorious for getting stuck in the snow. If you have a car that often can’t make it out of the driveway once the snow starts falling, that may be a sign that you should consider getting a portable shovel for your trunk. Ice scrapers and gloves may also be necessary. 

When You’ve Sustained Injury

Car crashes are on the rise in the months with winter weather. At Moxie Law Group, we hope you never need a car accident attorney. We provide safety resources, guides, and tips, in hopes that you and your family will stay safe out there. Unfortunately, no matter how many safety tips you follow, injuries can still happen. If you’ve sustained injury due to the negligence of another person, and you need help getting the compensation you need to recover, contact Moxie Law Group today to start your personal injury claim.