This is the time of year you probably hear a lot of people talking about safe winter driving. Winter is just days away, and it is never too soon to prepare your vehicle for winter weather if you live in an area that is likely to experience it. While the weather is more unpredictable now than it was twenty years ago, it's safe to assume that if your area is prone to snow and ice accumulations in the wintertime, you'll need to take a few easy precautions to ensure safe driving during the winter months.



Here are a few tips on how you can easily winterize your car:

The first and easiest step to take toward getting your car ready for winter driving is to have the car serviced regularly. If you're behind on regular maintenance or service, you'll want to catch up immediately. Basic things like fluid flushes, oil changes, etc., will help your car stay in tip-top shape, and will help keep it running smoothly all year round.

Check your car's heating and cooling system.
You may need to run the air conditioning one week, and then run the heat the following week. You may encounter rain and ice, or clear skies and frosty mornings. Regardless, you need to make sure that all elements of your car's heat and air systems work properly. A defrost for front and back will help you clear your windshields in frost, fog, and when it becomes humid in the car. Not having access to these when you need them can really cause issues and lead to dangerous driving situations.

Check your tires.
I tend to check my tires every time I get into my car. My car is newer, so it automatically calculates the tire pressure for me, and displays it on my dash. If your car does this, it's a good idea to check it often. If you have to do it manually, check each tire with a pressure gauge, which you can easily purchase online, at your local dealership, or at an auto supply store.

Make sure your brakes work properly.
The absolute worst thing that could happen when you're driving through winter weather elements, is to have your brakes fail. It's hard enough to safely navigate your way through ice or snow with regular tires. You need to be able to rely on your brakes, and know how to use them if you have to drive in slippery conditions. Whie the winter weather won't really do harm to your brakes, you should absolutely check them and test them periodically through the winter to make sure they are working properly.

No matter where you live, you have places to be, and if you're a car owner, your car is probably the vehicle you use most for daily transportation. Keeping your car winterized will help you have a safe winter travel season. It only takes a few extra steps to get your car ready to make it through the tough winter months, and it's absolutely worth your time.

This post brought to you by Robert's Chrysler Dodge Ram Fiat.