Winter is just around the corner and colder weather means wet and possibly icy driving conditions. If you haven’t done so already, you should prepare your car accordingly. As Injuryboaord.com reminds us, “spending the extra time and effort to get your vehicle properly prepared for winter conditions will save you money—and could prevent you from [getting injured] in an accident.”
Here are some precautions that you can take to help you get through the season safely:
- Make sure that battery and radiator fluid levels are where they should be. Depending on where you live, it would also be wise to check “the protection temperature of the antifreeze in your system, brakes, hoses, and belts.”
- Inspect your front, rear and hazard lights: all should be operational.
- Change your windshield wipers as necessary. Winter blades are a must for windshields that collect large amounts of ice during colder weather.
- Check that your “heater, defroster and rear window defroster are working properly.”
- If you don’t carry emergency equipment, put together a special kit to keep in your car. That kit should include “jumper cables, a snow/ice scraper, a flashlight, a fresh supply of extra batteries, flares, blankets” and a charger for your cell phone in the event of an emergency.
- Keep your tank at least half full throughout the winter. Doing so “will reduce condensation in your tank and make your vehicle easier to start when cold.”
- If ice and/or snow accumulate on your vehicle, clean everything off to maximize driving visibility. Too many winter accidents are the result of poor driver visibility.
It would also be to your benefit to check road and weather conditions before starting on your journey. That way, you’ll know what to expect and what potentially to avoid.
If you do find yourself in an accident, seek the assistance of a qualified lawyer, especially if injuries and/or damages are involved.