How to Prep Your Car for a Maryland Winter

This winter, as you’re dashing through the snow, don’t forget to prep your car for Maryland’s blustery weather. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain all present unique challenges on the road. When the weather outside is frightful, you want to make sure that you’re keeping yourself and your car safe for travel. Try these four strategies to help keep you and your family safe while driving during the winter.

Have a Winter Vehicle Emergency Kit

Make sure you’re not left stranded without the tools you need in an emergency. Having a preparedness kit in your trunk may be the single most important thing you can do for your car and your personal safety. Use a large plastic container and include these items in your kit:

• Flashlights with new batteries
• Road flares
• First-aid kit
• Thermal blankets
• Extra water-resistant coat
• Waterproof gloves
• Waterproof boots and warm socks
• Radio with new batteries
• Charged cellphone and spare car charger
• Bag of sand or kitty litter
• Small shovel
• Ice scraper with brush
• Battery jumper cables
• Non-perishable snacks, such as nuts or jerky

Check Your Engine’s Antifreeze

As temperatures drop, antifreeze becomes even more critical than ever, to help keep your vehicle running. Like a magic elixir, antifreeze keeps your engine block from freezing and cracking. Some of us fill our radiators with water during the summer months, and if this is you, you might be in for some trouble once temperatures drop below zero. Have your coolant system flushed and refilled by a professional if you suspect that your radiator is full of water. If you’re sure you’ve got the right antifreeze, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how you can refill it yourself.

Invest in Winter Tires

Winter tires are essential in Maryland, where the average winter temperature is 34 degrees. Winter tires stay flexible at these low temperatures, providing reliable traction when stopping and turning on cold pavement. Ensure that your tires are ready for severe weather by checking the pressure with a gauge from any auto supply store and fill them up at the free air tank available at most gas stations. Examine your tires for their tread life and don’t forget to check the sidewalls, and your spare and jack too.

Use Winter-Rated Wiper Fluid

When old man winter comes knocking, switch your windshield washer fluid to the winter type. Yes, there is a difference.  Ordinary washer fluid will freeze quickly upon contact with your icy windshield, while cold weather fluid won’t. Winter-rated wiper fluid is made to help loosen ice and snow from your windshield, making it easier to ensure your visibility is crystal clear. Western counties in Maryland experience colder weather and more snow, so make sure to install winter, rubber-clad wiper blades to fight ice build-up too.

There’s still time to get your car ready before Jack Frost starts nipping at your windshield. Ensure that you have a well-running vehicle this winter and that your family is safe and snug inside with these tips to prep your car for a Maryland winter.

 

“Snowstorm, 12/19/09” by the bridge is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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