As the temperatures start to dip, the brisk fall weather is a perfect reminder it’s never too early to winterize cars. Managing a team of caregivers on the go making daily home visits, Julie Sullivan, Great Care founder and CEO, knows the importance of this vital seasonal task.

“Winter can make it tough to get around, especially in the Midwest, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to navigating the roads to and from your destinations,” Sullivan says. “Being well prepared, especially before the freezing weather strikes, helps save money on repairs and emergencies. We stress the importance of transportation winterization because safety is important when it comes to our caregivers being on the roads in the winter to assist with Great Care families.”

The Dept. of Motor Vehicles, at dmv.org, suggests these basic steps every driver should take as days get shorter and temperatures drop:

1. Replace or Refill All Fluids

“ Whether you take your car in for regular maintenance or you’re a do-it-yourself home mechanic, the best way to winterize your car is to start by checking your fluid levels,” says the DMV. “It is especially important to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on this mixture. Pick up a tester at an auto parts store and make sure the fluid is filled to the maximum line.”

The DMV also reminds drivers that when it comes to keeping oil at the right levels, mechanics may recommend switching to a thinner oil for those who live where temperatures drop below freezing like Indiana.

“Your best bet is to consult your owner’s manual or talk to your mechanic,” dmv.org says.

Wiper fluid is often overlooked, too, so purchase freeze-resistant wiper fluid to keep windshields clean and vision clear.

2. Inspect or Replace Your Tires

“Low air pressure and worn tires are especially dangerous on wet or slick roads, as both can reduce traction,” according to the DMV.

“Check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI. If you’ve never checked tire pressure yourself, stop by an auto parts store and pick up a tire gauge. Our step-by-step guide to checking tire pressure can help you check pressure and properly inflate your tires.”

The DMV says if you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, consider snow tires as a valuable investment that can increase traction and improve safety on the road.

“Another option is all-season tires that you drive year-round―winter and summer,” says the DMV. “The advantage of all-season tires is that you don’t change the tires before winter or need to keep two sets of rims. Of course, the disadvantage is that you don’t get all the great features of a specialized seasonal tire.”

Click here for more tips! / Bridgestone Tires

3. Cold Weather & Battery Capacity

Like tire performance, battery capacity is also reduced by the cold weather. The DMV suggests a thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid to help you make sure your car is ready for the winter.

”Check over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole (or sometimes holes),” says the DMV. “If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water. To read the level of charge in your battery, you will need to turn the engine off. Some batteries have a built-in hydrometer eye that tells you the amount of voltage remaining in the battery. If you prefer, a handheld hydrometer can be used to collect the same information”

The DMV says while inspecting a battery, find the manufacture date and be aware of how old the battery is to clue you in to when it will begin to lose charge. When purchasing a new battery, never buy one with a six-month-old manufacture date.

4. Pack an Emergency Kit

“Keeping a safety kit in your car all year is a good idea. Things like road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, and a first aid kit should be at hand no matter what,” says dmv.org. “It’s a good idea to update this kit with seasonal items that can keep you warm and prepared for Mother Nature’s worst.”

The DMV suggests these items be included in winter car safety kits:

• Flashlight
• Blanket, leather gloves, and hat
• Bag of kitty litter or sand (if tires get stuck in the snow or slush)
• Ice scraper and brush
• Small shovel
• Safe and leak-proof container of coolant
• Snacks

5. Don’t Get Frozen Out!

This one is especially common in Indiana with the humidity and freezing temps.

“Door locks can freeze in cold weather and break your key if you try to force them open. The old fashion cure was warm water, but what if you’re not at home and don’t have any warm water nearby?”

The answer, says the DMV, is glycerine for de-icing, which can be purchased at discount stores, auto parts stores, and even hardware stores.

”Think about where you keep it, however, because if the de-icer is in the glove box of your frozen-shut car, then it won’t help you any,” says the DMV. “Stock a tube at home in the garage and also in your desk at work. That way whenever your locks freeze up, you’ll be able to solve the problem.”

6. Keep Up Regular Maintenance

“Bottom line, your vehicle needs year-round TLC. If you’re not the do-it-yourself type, take your vehicle in to a trusted mechanic before temperatures drop,”says dmv.org.

The DMV reminds drivers to make sure they check all of the above, along with belts, hoses, and spark plugs to prevent a dangerous breakdown during a downpour.

For more information, see the DMV’s tips on routine vehicle maintenance. Safe driving!

Also visit the DMV’s page on safety and driving here.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.