Is Your Car Ready For a Hoosier Winter?

Indiana can be such a beautiful state during the cooler months, but this
time of year can also serve up a mix of hazardous weather that an unprepared
driver or car can’t handle. With a true Hoosier snowfall yet to
arrive, we want you to feel good about having time to prepare in advance
of winter accidents like sliding off the road, getting stuck in slush,
or even a possible breakdown on a cold snowy night. Take some time to
follow these tips and get yourself and your car winter ready.

Tips for Winterizing Your Car

  • AAA recommends that if you own a vehicle, you head in for an official inspection that
    includes an evaluation of the brake system, exhaust system, heating and
    cooling system. While malfunctions in the exhaust or heating and cooling
    system can result in injury or death due to carbon monoxide poisoning
    or weather exposure, a problem with the brake system can pose a lethal
    threat to everyone on the road.
  • Make sure your windshield is ready for prime viewing. This means you may
    have to replace or clean wiper blades. Remove any leaves or leftover debris
    from where the hood and window meet. Also, make sure you have enough winter
    windshield wiper fluid that can also de-ice and a snow and ice scraper
    to clear your window.
  • Check your vehicle’s tire pressure. Typically, when the weather gets
    cooler, your tires can deflate and the pressure will go down giving you
    less traction on the road. Without good traction, your vehicle (no matter
    how big it is) is more likely to skid and slip.
  • A mechanical review of your vehicle’s electrical system should focus
    on the battery, ignition system, and lights. Certainly, a poorly functioning
    battery can leave you out in the cold, but many people are unaware that
    starting an automobile in cold weather requires a fully charged battery.
    Right now is a good time to ensure that your battery is replaced if needed.
    If it’s been a few years since it was manufactured, it is probably
    time to swap it out.
  • Have a winter emergency kit added to your trunk space with things like
    a blanket, extra hat and gloves, water and snacks, an extra ice scraper,
    a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit and a shovel that
    could save you if your vehicle is stuck.
  • Check for any recalls your vehicle may have and get it in to be serviced. Use the
    NHTSA site and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Stay Safe and Connected with Us This Winter

During the winter driving season, we are all relying on one another to
keep our community safe. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be tackling
other winter driving topics on this blog and sharing them on our
Facebook page. Stay tuned for when we talk about black ice, sharing icy roads with big
trucks, and skids. Until then, please drive safely and get your vehicle ready.

If tragedy strikes and you or someone you love is injured in a winter driving
accident, please call the
vehicular accident attorneys at Wagner Reese for a completely free consultation. We will put our decades
of experience to work for you, and we won’t collect any fees unless
your case is settled or won. Call today at (888) 204-8440.