Get Prepared for Winter Travel

Let it snow?

Winter will soon be here. And that means it’s time to winterize your vehicle before the snow starts falling!

What exactly does winterizing your vehicle entail? Glad you asked! Here is a list of four steps you can take to get your ride winter ready!

 4 steps to winterize your vehicle:

• Tire quality check
• Bed cap for trucks
• Winter inspection
• Create your own emergency kit

 Winterize your vehicle tip #1: Tire quality check

Winterize your vehicle by checking what makes contact with the snow. We are, of course, talking about your tires. Inspect the tread depth of your tires. In extreme conditions, and “extreme” is often the norm during a Michigan winter, consider snow tires for added safety.

How do you inspect a tire?

 Check your tires for wear and damage using the penny test:

• Hold a penny between your thumb and forefinger.
• Find a place on your tire where the tread appears the lowest. Insert Abe Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves (He won’t mind!).
• If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered up by the tread, you’re good to go. If not, get your tires changed.

Winterize your vehicle tip #2: Bed cap for trucks

Do you own a Ram 1500 or another truck?

A truck cap is a removable protective shell that fits over the truck bed. The shell is usually made of fiberglass, steel, or aluminum.

Why go to the trouble of installing a bed cap for your truck? There are a number of benefits, including:

1. Fuel efficiency – Reduce the wind drag that results from an open truck bed.
2. Organization – Get a customizable cap to help organize your tools and equipment into appropriate compartments.
3. Protection – There is less wear and tear on your truck when a protective shell keeps out the dust and debris from the truck bed.
4. Security – It’s easy to keep items locked up.
5. Style – Customize your truck cap with windows, racks, dividers, your choice of materials, and paint to show off your style.

 Winterize your vehicle tip #3: Winter inspection

Winter inspections are important because you avoid unexpected and costly repairs.

It’s always recommended to keep your vehicle properly maintained, but this couldn’t be truer than at the change of the seasons, or before going on a trip. And if you’re traveling over the winter holidays, you’d better listen up!

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a nonprofit group, recommends routine maintenance.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence tips include:

• Follow the recommended service schedules in your owner’s manual
• Get engine performance and drivability problems corrected
• Replace dirty filters
• Add a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank each month when the temp dips below freezing
• Change oil and oil filter
• Flush and refill cooling system
• Make sure the heater and defroster work
• Replace old blades regularly
• Have your battery checked
• Inspect lights and bulbs
• Have the exhaust system examined for leaks and problems
• Change tires if over worn
• Have your brakes checked
• Check the transmission
• Carry an emergency kit

Winterize your vehicle tip #4: Create your own emergency kit

We like to be optimistic and think it’s all going to be smooth sailing (or driving). The last thing we hope for in winter weather is to have an emergency while we’re on the road. But since statistically it will happen to you sooner or later you should be ready for it before it happens!

The Boy Scouts have it right: “Be prepared.” You never know when you’ll have an emergency. If you’re planning on going out of town, taking precautions is even more important.

Keeping a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in the trunk of your car is one of the best ways you can prepare. What should be included in a road emergency kit?

A roadside emergency kit can include:

• Blanket or space blanket
• Bottled water
• Can of tire inflator and sealant
• Cash
• Cat litter (for icy roads)
• Duct tape (It really does come in handy for everything!)
• Extra pair of wiper blades (How nice would it be to have a set when yours break! Can be purchased at any Thelen parts department.)
• Fire extinguisher (ideally small)
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Flares, triangle reflectors, or LED flares
• Gallon of coolant
• Granola or energy bars
• Ice scraper (If not already in your car!)
• Jumper cables / small, portable lithium-ion batter with jumper cables (Keep it charged, people!)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Non-perishable snacks
• Paper towels
• Pen and paper
• Quart or more of motor oil
• Rags
• Rain poncho
• Scent-free baby wipes
• Spare or full-sized tire
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Tarp
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, and pocket knife
• Warm change of clothes

Once you have assembled your kit, find something to put it in so it doesn’t roll around, such as a clear plastic container.

Before crossing #4 off of your list, take time to familiarize yourself with how each item functions. The last time and place you’re going to want to learn about your safety items is when you’re in the middle of a crisis needing to use the tools immediately.

You also can buy pre-made emergency roadside kits, but the above D-I-Y kit is more extensive and can be tailored to your vehicle and Michigan’s climate.

If you want to keep things simple, the DMV suggests a basic kit can include:

• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Multipurpose tool
• Jumper cables
• Road flares
• Bottled water

It takes time to put together the kit, but it’s well worth it when an emergency arises. A little planning could make your life a lot easier in the future.

 Let Thelen help you prepare

Ready to cross off “winterize your vehicle” from your to-do list? Want to choose a dealer that was named a “Top Rated Dealer” by CarGurus in 2018? Call us to schedule your winter inspection at Thelen Auto Group today!

Links:

https://www.thinkthelen.com/

https://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit.html

https://www.cargurus.com/

https://nearsay.com/c/442929/256442/4-important-benefits-of-a-truck-cap

http://www.wildwewander.com/journal/how-to-weatherize-your-truck-cap

https://www.ase.com/News-Events/Publications/Glove-Box-Tips/Getting-Your-Vehicle-Ready-For-Winter.aspx

https://www.michelinman.com/US/en/safe-driving/tire-safety/inspection.html

https://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/emergency-kit.php

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