The Midwest has some rough winters, and winter is upon us. Whether you’re worried about snow, ice, or frigid cold, there are some steps that you should take to prepare your vehicle for the winter.
It’s much better to get your winter auto service in Elgin taken care of before those frigid temperatures and winter weather start hitting the area.
Auto Tips for the Winter
These tips are just minor things that will help your car throughout the cold. Most people don’t realize how much of a difference one small action can make.
- When you first start the car, let a little bit of cold air in. This air is dry and will help with those foggy windows.
- When you need to defog or defrost fast, turn your heat up to the maximum setting and get it warm, then switch to AC to help pull the moisture from the air.
- Start with your heat on a lower setting, and then turn it up a little bit at a time. Doing so will help prevent fogging as it pushes less moisture into the air in the vehicle.
Be Prepared for Ice and Fog
All too often, drivers are in a hurry. Because of that, they don’t take the time to de-ice or defog their windshields properly before they get on the road. Give yourself some extra time for safety, and to keep your car windshield more clear while you’re driving.
While you are driving down the road, be aware that your heating habits in the vehicle could cause the windows to fog back up. The warmth inside your car meets the freezing temperatures against the windows, and this causes fog to build up.
Controlling and maintaining the interior temperature of your car is the best way to prevent this.
These simple tips might help you reduce that foggy effect in your car when you’re driving down the road:
- Clean your windows on the inside and outside before the cold season. This can help reduce condensation.
- Try keeping the air inside the car dry. Rolling down windows and regulating temperatures can help.
- If you’re traveling with hot coffee or drinks, put them in a travel mug and leave the lid on. That little bit of steam produces condensation into the air, and it can have an effect on the fogginess and humidity levels.
- Did you know you can run your AC and heater simultaneously? Turning on the AC with the heater will help keep the interior air dry. This is why the AC light kicks on when you use the defrost.
- Use winterization from local mechanics for extra prep work for your vehicle.
Keeping the windows and windshield clear will ultimately protect you and other drivers that might be on the road with you. It is an essential part of driving in the wintertime in Elgin, Illinois.
Get Winter Auto Service for Your Vehicle
Throughout the year, there are certain appliances that you get serviced. If you have heat or air units in your home, you likely get them serviced seasonally or once a year. You really should be doing the same with your vehicles.
Winter auto service simply takes a look at the overall vehicle to determine whether there is anything that needs to happen to prepare the vehicle for winter. It’s the simple things that can lead to big problems. But winter auto service checks them off the list so you can be prepared.
Your tires are one of the most important factors of your drive. First, you have to have them to even drive the car, right? But to be able to drive safely on snow and ice, they need to be checked and maintained. Tires should have enough tread to stop safely and smoothly on the road.
You also want to pay attention to your tire pressure. It’s common for the cold to cause a small decrease in pressure, so check the tires and make sure you have sufficient pressure for your drive.
Keep an Emergency Kit in the Vehicle
Even with the best intentions, emergencies do happen. You never want to be unprepared, especially in a Midwest winter. Your car should have an emergency kit, and we don’t just mean a jack and spare tire.
Be prepared for anything, including the potential of being stranded on the road for a bit. Here are some ideas to fill your emergency kit with. You might even want a box or a tote to keep these things in:
- Bottled water
- Snacks that won’t go bad (jerky, protein bars, etc.)
- Blankets
- Other warm items like socks, gloves, hats, etc.
- A radio with good batteries
- Cell phone chargers
- An extra coat and shoes
- Various hand tools or a tool kit
- First aid kit
- Emergency roadside kit
As you are driving, remember to slow down and drive carefully. This is particularly important near bridges, curves, and anywhere that might be extra icy or even have black ice on the roads.
Give yourself plenty of time to brake, place distance between you and the car in front of you, and remember to take it slow. Rushing around isn’t worth your life. Learn how to drive on ice and snow, and even how to react should your vehicle start to spin or swerve.
Finally, don’t forget your headlights so everyone can see you on the road!
Winter Auto Service is the Best Way to Prepare
These tips are designed to be helpful in the coldest months. Hopefully, you can put them to use if needed. Even with these tips in mind, you need to plan to get winter auto service in Elgin before the weather hits. This is the best way to be prepared on the road and ensure that your car is ready for the cold, snow, and ice ahead.