Compared to Northeastern or Midwestern states, Tennessee has a mild and pleasant year-round climate. But overconfidence is the precursor to disaster, and you should always be alert and diligent while driving. Tennessee has seasonal road hazards to deal with, and you should take those seriously. This blog will take you through important maintenance preparations for your vehicle for colder months so that you can have a safer driving experience. If you’ve already had an unsafe driving experience—because of weather conditions, defective car parts, or other drivers—get in touch with a Memphis auto accident lawyer. We’ll help you assess your situation to see if you are entitled to compensation, and if so, we’ll fight hard by your side every step of the way.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Colder Months
Research Recent Product Recalls
Recalls help keep the public safe, as companies are encouraged to remove potentially defective products from the market as soon as they realize they’ve made a mistake. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website keeps a list of recently announced recalls. To be very certain, call your local dealership, with your vehicle’s VIN, and you’ll be able to ask if there are any outstanding recalls.
Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape
Keeping your car tuned up and in good shape is vital for being safe on the road, and even more so during dangerous winter weather. But you won’t want to wait until winter comes along, or you may end up waiting for expensive repairs that you might have done sooner. Make sure to take your car to a trusted mechanic frequently. The mechanic’s shop should check that the engine, battery, brakes, and other key parts are all in good condition and can withstand the coming winter.
There’s also important maintenance you yourself can perform on your car. You should check car fluids like engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Because winter weather tends to reduce visibility, it is important to check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. If any bulbs are burnt, check them promptly. Tires should be checked regularly: keep an eye on the tire pressure and the tire tread depth and condition. Using winter tires will help your car have improved traction, grip, and handling.
Finally, given the most prevalent winter characteristic, you’ll also want to check your car’s heating before the temperature starts dropping day by day. If you’ve noticed any issues with the heating, let your mechanic know right away.
Don’t Forget Your Emergency Supplies
Just like keeping your car in good shape is a year-round obligation that becomes more critical with winter, so is keeping stock of your emergency supplies. Disaster experts recommend having an emergency kit that you keep stocked with essentials, like food and water, but also useful tools, like snow shovels, ice scrapers, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. Sand or kitty litter can give your car more traction if you end up stuck on a slippery road.
