The Washington Metropolitan area can experience violent winters that can wreak havoc on your vehicle. If you have experienced one of these winters, then you undoubtedly understand the importance of winterizing your car. In this post, we will go into why it is necessary to winterize your car and the best ways to do it. 

Is Winterizing Your Car Necessary?

The last thing that you want is to have a winter storm hit while you are unprepared. That’s why, if you live in an area that frequently drops below freezing, it is important to winterize your car before the snow hits. Failure to do so can leave you in conditions that, at best, are a nuisance, and, at worst, are deadly. 

Steps for Winterizing Your Car

There are many ways that you can prepare your car for winter weather but above all, maintain good driving habits in these extreme conditions. With slick roads and dark skies, it is important to remember to drive safe. There are many hazards on the road as it is, and winter weather only makes them that much more dangerous. Avoid speeding, excessive passing, and slamming on your brakes. With that said, here are some ways that you can winterize your car:

Maintain Tire Pressure 

When the temperature begins to drop, this causes the air in your tires to compress. This results in a decrease in your tire pressure and the reason why you will get air pressure warning lights when you get in the car on a cold morning. This is an easy fix. Simply refill your tires up to the recommended air pressure (usually 35 PSI) and go on your way. 

Pack a Safety Kit 

You don’t want to be caught in the middle of a cold snowstorm unprepared. It is good practice to keep a safety kit in your car year round, but it is especially important to keep one around during the winter. You can include whatever you think may be necessary but these are some common items to use for your car safety kit: 

• Jumper Cables
• Toolkit
• Flashlight and Batteries
• First Aid Kit 
• Reflective Triangles
• Drinking Water 

Change Your Oil 

You should change your oil every 3,000 to 10,000 miles and when winter comes around, it can be a great opportunity to do it. This will prepare your vehicle for the grueling temperatures that come with the winter months and will ensure your car runs as smoothly as possible during this time. 

Change Wiper Blades 

Sleet and hail can destroy your windshield wipers. This can be a potentially dangerous situation as water that freezes on your windshield can severely obstruct your view. You can purchase winter weather windshield wipers that are built to endure extreme conditions and will be able to clear your windshield of debris, allowing you to drive safely. 

Protect Your Car with DC Clear Auto Bra 

While winterizing your car is an essential part of vehicle maintenance, there are still year round threats to your vehicle that you will face. Our clear auto bra will ensure that your vehicle’s paint is protected against even the worst conditions. Here at DC Clear Auto Bra, we know how to quickly and properly install our paint protection films that will keep your car looking like you just drove it off the lot for years to come. Give us a call today or fill out our online form so we can protect your car’s paint.