Many car owners accidentally wait for the season to begin to winterize their vehicles. But, once low temperatures set in, it is a natural tendency to want to stay inside in the warmth and forgo these alterations necessary for the winter months.

This leaves these vehicles more susceptible to accidents. This can be especially dangerous in snowier states such as Utah. Don’t make this mistake this year! Get a jump on winterizing your vehicle before the cold sets in.

We’ve put together a list of the specifics to keep your family safe and your car running smoothly this winter.

Steps for Winterizing Your Vehicle:

• Be sure heaters, wipers, and defrosters are working well. As winter hits hard in Utah, seriously consider using cold weather washer fluid and replacing your wipers with winter wiper blades!

• Cold weather is known to be hard on vehicle batteries. Take your car in to make sure both your battery and charging system are operating properly.
• It is recommended changing to a “winter weight” oil in colder climates, and Utah is no exception. This is a great time to ask our technicians to check your transmission, fuel and air filters as well.
• Having fully functioning brakes is crucial, especially when driving on icy or snowy roads. Prevent potential accidents this winter from malfunctioning brakes by getting your brakes checked.
• Checking the tire tread depth and tire pressure is another key element in driving safely in the winter season. You should check your tire pressure on a weekly basis. And because snow and ice are a norm in the Salt Lake City Area, consider using special tires designed to grip slick roads to further minimize a chance of an accident. 
  (Bonus Tip: Be sure to check the tire pressure of the spare you keep in your trunk!)

• If it's been two or more years since you’ve touched the antifreeze in your vehicle, be sure to clean, flush, and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
• Double check that your exterior and interior lights are working and that the headlights are properly aimed. Optimizing visibility while driving through sleet or snow is especially important when road conditions are questionable.

Other Recommendations to Stay Safe During the Winter

Be sure to always keep at least half a tank of gas in your car during the colder months of the year. This decreases the chance that moisture forms in the gas lines and freezes. Also take care that your emergency kit is fully stocked to keep your family safe in case there is an accident. This kit should include jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, blankets, and bottled water.

Be proactive and check off winterizing your car from your to-do list. Luckily, we at Aposhian Garage are here to help make this task easy for you. We will take care to perform all the necessary services needed in winterizing your car so that you and your family stay safe this winter. So, get your car prepared and give us a call today!