Are you prepared for the first snowfall? Here are a few important tips to keep you and the family safe in the car.

Get your car serviced in the fall

No one wants their car to break down in any season, but especially not in cold or snowy winter weather.

  • Check tire pressure
  • Check tire tread depth
  • Check for Recalls
  • Check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements

Stock your vehicle

A must-have list to keep in your car during the winter months:

  • Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
  • Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
  • Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers.
  • Blankets for protection from the cold.
  • Portable battery charger for your cellphone, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

Familiarize yourself with the car

Take time now to learn how your vehicle handles under winter weather driving conditions.

  • Before driving your vehicle, clean snow, ice or dirt from the windows, the forward sensors, headlights, tail lights, backup camera and other sensors around the vehicle.
  • For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, minimize the drain on the battery. If the vehicle has a thermal heating pack for the battery, plug your vehicle in whenever it’s not in use. Preheat the passenger compartment before you unplug your vehicle in the morning.
  • When renting a car, become familiar with the vehicle before driving it off the lot. Know the location of the hazard lights switch in case of emergency, and review the owner’s manual so that you’re prepared for any driving situation that may arise.