New Jersey winters can present safety challenges for motorists, as cold temperatures and snow can impact vehicle performance and road conditions. For unprepared drivers, these circumstances can have unpleasant, sometimes even tragic, consequences.
To prepare for the winter driving months, consider these tips from Butler Chrysler car dealers:
· Get regular service done before the winter months. Breakdowns are more serious business in the winter months, when temperatures are low and help may be delayed by snow and dangerous road conditions. Before winter begins, get an oil change and check your tires, belts, hoses, spark plugs, and other parts.
· Keep your tires filled. Low tire pressure can negatively impact your car’s handling, which is particularly dangerous during winter when roads can be icy and wet.
· Regularly inspect your battery during winter. The cold weather can zap your battery, draining its electrical charge. A dead battery will leave you stranded, so be sure that your battery is in peak condition by checking it periodically during the winter. If your battery is more than 3-5 years old, you may want to consider changing it.
· Check your antifreeze. Antifreeze is essential to protecting the components of your vehicle during winter. Make sure your vehicle has a 50-50 mix of water and coolant, and also ensure that the liquid is clean and not contaminated. Contaminated antifreeze can be indicative of major automotive problems. Insufficient antifreeze can cause problems with your engine block and rusting in your cooling system.
· Check your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are essential in rain or snow storms, and cracked or damaged wipers won’t provide the clearing you need, and can scratch up your windshield. You may want to invest in winter wipers – specialized wipers with rubber covers that prevent ice from accumulating and causing your wipers to stick.
· Keep plenty of gas in the vehicle. Running out of gas during the winter months can leave you stranded in the cold. Try to keep your vehicle gassed up during the winter months to avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
· Traction. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle and are worried about how it will handle in the snow, keep a few bags of sand in the truck. The extra weight will give your tires a little extra traction.
· Drive slowly. Snow and ice can cause your vehicle to slip and slide. Driving at high speeds drastically increases the chances of an accident in these conditions. By slowing down a little and driving carefully, you can reduce your risk of becoming involved in an accident.
· Clear your windows. Before driving, make sure all your windows and headlights are clear of ice and frost. Clearing the windows will ensure you can see the road and around you. Clearing the headlights ensures you get all the light you need to see and be seen.
To schedule a test drive or talk with a sales rep at Precision Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, call 1-888-313-2410. Precision Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has an excellent history of providing quality vehicles to Butler area residents and is eager to help new customers find great new and used vehicles.
