The Winter Driving inspection Check List

If you are like most people, you are going to be on the road a lot this winter. Between work, dropping the kids off at school, the grocery store and the many other stops that simply pop up along the way, your car will most likely suffer just as many miles during the snow season. However there is a big difference between driving in the winter, and driving in the summer. During the former, you want to ensure that you are prepared in the case of an emergency. To help you do this, we have provided a check list of all the things you will need to ensure you have ready this coming winter. 

Cell Phone

Talking and texting while you drive are both certainly dangerous activities, and even more so in the winter. But we are not condoning either of these. This winter, and every winter, it is important you have three things in your car at all times. The first is your cell phone. In case of emergency, this is the item that can and most definitely will save your life.

Spare Cell Phone Charger

The next item you want to ensure you have is a spare charger. Your phone will be no good to you if it dies. And with today’s smart phones, battery life is a short one. Thus ensure that you keep an extra charger in your glove box, or under the driver’s seat. 

Winter Safety Kit

A winter safety kit is some thing that many people think to themselves; I will never need this. That is until they do need it. Then they are simply grateful they took the precaution. A first aid kit, perishable food, blankets, water proof matches and a tin can for melting snow to water are just a few of the items that should be included in your winter safety kit. If you want to learn just what to put in yours, check out our Winter Safety Kit Check List article, describing all the things you will want in your car this winter.

A Fresh Battery

We are not talking about your cell phone this time. We are talking about your car’s battery. Most battery’s will have a date on them when they expire, but even that is not enough;  check the battery cables, and assure that all connection are nice and tight and not rotted or eaten away by acid. 

Brakes

The last item on our list is not something you should check yourself. Brake checks are best left to professionals. In order to ensure that your brakes are functioning properly, and will keep you safe this coming winter, you will want to bring your car in to an auto shop. There, the mechanic will check your car for a number of things, including wear and tear on the belts and the brake fuel line. If you want to understand a bit more about just what it is the mechanic will be taking a look at.