The Seasonal Car Care Tasks You Keep Forgetting

Do you have an emergency kit stored in your car? No? Well, now's the time to change that! Breaking down in winter is particularly scary due to the darker nights. Will other drivers be able to see you on the road? Emergency kits are a big help here. From warning triangles to torches, you can signal your position while waiting for assistance. A basic kit also gives peace of mind during long drives when help may not arrive quickly. Items like blankets, gloves, and bottled water can make an uncomfortable wait far more manageable. Many drivers assume they will never need these supplies, until the one night they do. Stocking a kit once and checking it seasonally is a small task that can make a big difference when conditions turn against you.

Here's a question for you, folks — did you know that colder weather can cause a drop in tire pressure? No? Well, you do now! When the conditions shift, you've got to keep a close eye on them. Don't be afraid to check the pressure each week, or switch to specialized winter tires if the roads get too icy. Safety first, right?

We won't beat around the bush here, guys. Winter can wreck havoc on your car's engine oil. How? Well, cooler temperatures can cause those fluids to become thicker. And that's bad news! Driving with thick oil is a sure-fire way to put unnecessary strain on the engine. To avoid that potential headache, invest in some winter-grade oil that can handle the tougher conditions.

Car batteries absolutely hate the cold. They really struggle when winter rolls around. It's harder for a battery to hold its charge in freezing weather. So what can you do about it? Well, it might be wise to clean the terminals prior to the temperature drop. Oh, and consider buying a battery blanket, too. They're quite helpful. It's better than doing nothing!

Washing your vehicle in freezing conditions isn't the most enticing job. But it's something you should seriously consider. During the winter months, cars pick up so much muck on the road. We're talking salt, grime — that sort of stuff. It can really damage the exterior over time, causing corrosion and rust. So grab a bucket and sponge, and get scrubbing! A weekly wash will do wonders.

It can be very easy to take your windshield wipers for granted. But you shouldn't — especially when winter rolls around. You want all the visibility you can get if the conditions become snowy or icy. A worn-out wiper won't do! To swerve this issue, take a closer look at the winter-specific blades that are sold from your local car shop.

How often do you test your washer fluid during the winter months? If you're not checking it frequently, you could be playing with fire! Unless it's rated for sub-zero conditions, this fluid has a tendency to freeze once the weather gets really cold. And you don't want that, folks. Grab some winter washer fluid ahead of time and use it when necessary.

It's fair to say that your car lights get a lot of use during winter. The days don't stay bright for long! So it isn't the worst idea to give your headlights and tailights a thorough check throughout the season. If you spot a faulty bulb at home, you can get it replaced prior to hitting the road again.

It's wise to check your brakes throughout the year anyway, folks. But it's especially important during winter. You'll need them in tip-top shape to take on snowy and icy roads. So what should you look for here? Well, if the brakes start to make strange sounds or feel too spongy, get in touch with your local mechanic as soon as possible.

As we mentioned earlier, washing your car in winter is a pretty important job. But you aren't just staving off rust and corrosion here — you're avoiding a potential fine, too. You see, dirty license plates can land hefty financial penalties. They've got to be readable on the road. So don't forget to clean them after driving through a snowy area.

What does antifreeze do under the hood? Simple — it prevents the water from freezing inside your engine's cooling system. The name says it all, really! So yes, you've got to make sure that the antifreeze is topped up prior to the start of winter. Forgetting could lead to some serious problems down the road. We're talking a damaged engine here...

Certain maintenance jobs are easy to overlook. And we're not going to scold you for forgetting! But even so, missing these tasks in the lead up to winter can lead to significant consequences. Take your car's belts and hoses as an example. Are they brittle? Worn out? If you don't pay attention to that, the cold weather could finish them off.

It's vitally important that you maintain your car's chassis during the winter months, folks. Don't ignore it. Please! Traveling on salted roads raises the risk of rust, so you have to wash it fairly frequently. A rusted chassis is bad news for everyone. It compromises the motor's structural integrity, making it unsafe to drive. Yikes.

Remember what we said about checking your headlights and tailights in winter? Well, the same applies to your turn signals, too! Test the bulbs when you're not on the road, making sure they're clear and visible. On top of that, it also might be a good idea to clean off any dirt and grime from the surface.

In the weeks leading up to winter, it isn't the worst idea to test your car's heating system. If you spot a problem, it gives you plenty of time to get it fixed before the cold sets in. Ignoring it entirely is a frosty recipe for disaster! Do you really want to drive around in freezing conditions without any heating?

This might look like a strange entry, but bear with us, folks! Do you keep your cell phone fully charged for car journeys? If not, now might be the time to change that. After all, you don't want a flat battery if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of winter. Why take the risk, right?

When winter arrives, it's imperative that you keep an eye on your fuel gauge. How come? Well, if you're traveling with less than half-a-tank in bitterly cold conditions, the fuel line could freeze. To call it a safety hazard feels like an understatement. So yes, continue to top your car up across the season. You'll be glad you did.

Windshield covers can make your life so much easier during winter. They stop your car windshield from frosting over in the evenings, meaning you don't have to use a scraper come morning. Yet folks continue to forget about this helpful accessory. It's well-worth investing in one before the cold sets in.

The cold can be quite unforgiving to your car's locks and hinges, folks. They can easily freeze over, while corrosion is another big worry as well. To avoid that, be sure to lubricate the hinges and locks throughout the winter months. It'll save you a lot of hassle until the weather gets warmer.