Winterizing Tips For Your Car

With the first Winter Weather Advisory in our forecast, it's the perfect time to make sure our vehicles are ready for another Maine winter. It's better to take the time now to make these common-sense preparations than to figure out what you're missing when you need it.

• First, make sure you're using the right oil. In winter months, a thinner oil is needed to ensure your engine is properly lubricated.
• Antifreeze. Do it now.
• Take a good look at your battery. Cracks, corrosion, or loose connections could spell trouble. You'll also want to check the fluid reserve. If it's low, fill with distilled water.
• Obviously snow tires, or all-weather tires make a huge difference on winter roads.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. And keep a scraper and brush in your car to deal with snow and ice.
• Finally, an emergency kit will be invaluable in the event of a break-down. I keep a large plastic tub in the trunk of my car with some necessary items...flares, blankets, boots,  bag of salt, jumper cables, shovel, engine oil, washer fluid, coolant, and a flashlight. A few granola bars are also good to have.
• Finally, make sure your cellphone is charged and pre-programmed with emergency numbers. Police, fire, and a wrecker service or auto club are all important numbers to have!
• For more information, check out this helpful website from the Weather Channel.