As Chicagoland residents know, winters in and around the city can be quite daunting with the erratic weather, cold temperatures and wicked snowstorms.  Many of us in the North Shore area have commutes to and from our jobs and can even spend up to a few hours a day driving during the winter season when inclement weather hits.  Nobody wants any extra stress during these snowy months so we at Illinois Towing Service have put together a list of tips for preparing your vehicle for the winter.

1.) Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is extremely important during this season. Traction is often at a minimum due to damp and snowy road conditions. It is imperative you have properly inflated tires.  This guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and road.  Read your car’s owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure measurements.

2.) Check the battery. Batteries give off little notice before they die out.  Bitter cold temperatures can reduce an automobile’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your battery is three years or older, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure posts and connections are free of any corrosion.  If your car consistently needs a jump or has trouble starting then its a good indication the battery needs replacing.

3.) Inspect hoses and belts. The belts and hoses in newer cars survive a long time, but that doesn’t mean they last forever. Cold temperatures can hasten the demise of these crucial parts. Before winter starts, you should have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle. If you haven’t inspected them yet now that winter is in full swing, there’s never been a better time than now! Always better late than never, but planning ahead is always a great strategy.

4.) Consider using snow tires. The condition of your vehicle’s tires is very important during the winter season. If your tires are wearing down, then braking, acceleration and handling are all negatively impacted while driving on wet or slippery roads. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice.  These tires are not a cure-all, as safety and caution truly are #1 on the road, but they do help to improve traction on slick surfaces greater than all-season tires.

5.) Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is top priority when driving, particularly in the winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt buildup and reduced day time hours.  We’ve all been there when at last the snow falls, and while on the road the wiper fluid runs out or the blades continuously streak up the windshield causing vision issues.  This is a scenario that can easily be avoided by checking and filling wiper fluid before hitting the road and replacing wiper blades during this season.

Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list of car winterization techniques, just a few important ones to help you avoid difficulties and keep you safer this winter.  Be sure to see or talk to your specialized auto mechanic if experiencing trouble or having concerns about your vehicle this season.  From the staff here at Illinois Towing Service, we want to wish you a happy and safe new year!

This has been another Auto Advice moment from your friends at Illinois Towing Service.  We provide expert car repair, auto towing and roadside assistance in neighborhoods along Chicago’s North Shore such as Glenview, Skokie, Glencoe, Wheeling, Des Plaines, Kenilworth, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Park Ridge, Riverwoods and more.  Call us 24/7 at 847-966-1920.

**By no means is this a comprehensive list as there are many factors and maintenance routines that go into making an automobile function properly.  Please consult your mechanic or dealership if you are experiencing automobile difficulties, vehicle troubles, or need assistance with car problems you cannot handle on your own.