How to winterize your car before this weekend’s snowfall

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Across the Mid-South, snow is in the forecast for this weekend.

As many people begin to prepare by buying groceries and items to stock homes, take the time to prep your car as well.

It’s a simple process to winterize your car, but you need to be proactive.

Winterize your Car

  • Keep up the car maintenance. Check and make sure it’s up-to-date on services. Get the oil changed if it’s needed, check other car fluid, check the battery life, and replace if it’s too low.
  • Next, and probably most important, check your tire tread and tire pressure. If your tire tread is low, you need new tires. Not enough tire tread means your car won’t have good traction on snow-covered roads which could mean a dangerous commute. You can do this at home by using a penny. Have the Abraham Lincoln side facing you and turn it upside down. If you can see Abraham Lincoln, you need new tires.
  • Keep at least half a tank of gas in your car. Could be better to go ahead, and fill up though if you’re already at the gas station.
  • Finally, prepare a winter safety kit. You should pack a flashlight, snacks, water, blankets, hats, extra jackets, phone chargers, radio, and jumper cables to make sure you are safe if you get stuck on the roads, because of the snow.

The best way to stay safe is to just avoid driving if you don’t have to. If you absolutely have to drive somewhere, follow this advice to reach your destination safely.

Driving in Snow

  • Slow down
  • Increase follow distance to 5 to 6 seconds
  • Ease into your gas and brake pedal. Quick acceleration or an abrupt stop could cause your tires to spin.
  • Don’t drive if you don’t have to.