Winter is usually the most dangerous time of year to drive, and winters in Pennsylvania can prove brutal. Getting stuck in wintry weather is a frightening experience, and not always avoidable. Improve the odds that you and your car make it safely to your destination without issues by keeping your car well-maintained and performing some basic winterizing services.
Basic Winter Maintenance
Check to make sure the heater and defrosters are working, and if not, have your mechanic fix them. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in freezing weather in a vehicle without heat. The following are additional winter vehicle maintenance necessities:
- Check antifreeze levels
- Service the radiator system
- Add a wintertime mix to windshield wiper fluid
- Check wiper blades, replacing if necessary
- Ensure all tires are filled correctly, and replace worn tires
- Maintain all fluids are at the right levels
- Use winter weight engine oil, generally 5W-30
Brake Inspection
Have the mechanic thoroughly inspect your brakes. While your brakes should always remain in good condition for basic safety, an automobile is less likely to skid on snowy or icy roads when all the wheels brake evenly.
Look for Leaks
Leaks can kill. Check the exhaust system for leaks. If the car is closed, an exhaust system leaking carbon monoxide can prove fatal to everyone in a closed vehicle. This deadly gas builds up quickly. Also, check hoses carrying antifreeze for leaks.
Keep the Tank Full
Keep your gas tank full and top it off regularly. When the tank is full, ice is less likely to form in the fuel lines.
Special Winter Emergency Kit
Most people already keep a regular emergency kit in their vehicles, but if you suffer a breakdown in winter, you may need some additional materials. Such necessities include blankets, warm coats or jackets, hats and gloves, as well as thermal underwear. Your general emergency kit should contain a flashlight and a radio. Inspect these items regularly and test to make sure they are working. Keep extra batteries in your kit. For signaling help, the kit should contain flares and a whistle. In addition, keep dehydrated food, drinking water and plastic cups, along with some toilet paper in the kit.
Delaware County Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Advocate for Injured Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident because of another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you need the services of an experienced Delaware County personal injury lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. With offices located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.