Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

With winter weather right around the corner, there are several things you can do to prepare your car for winter. From ice on your daily commute to getting trapped in a snowstorm, we at Bob Moore Collision Center have compiled a list of best practices and tips to ensure you're prepared for any situation you find yourself in. Serving Norman, Edmond, and Oklahoma City, we are happy to assist with any questions you may have. Simply give us a call or schedule an appointment today for assistance!

Winterize your Car

As temperatures drop, you'll want to start with the tips for keeping your car healthy during winter below: 

• Check Oil, Coolant, and Washer Fluid levels

• Test your Battery

• Switch to a Deicing Washer Fluid

• Switch to Synthetic Oil

• Inspect Tire Tread and Install Snow Tires if needed

• Test Headlights and Taillights

It's often best to start with things you know you can accomplish yourself, and should you find a task you aren't sure how to accomplish, you can reach out to our team. For instance, should you choose to get an oil change before the temperature drops or need to install a new battery or set of tires, we should be able to help you out. In addition to the checklist listed above, you could do several secondary things to winterize your car, such as changing your wiper blades and ensuring your car is a full gas tank. Keeping your tank full helps prevent water from entering and freezing your lines. For any questions about car maintenance before winter, call us today!

Have an Electric Vehicle? Check out our guide to maintaining your EV during winter.

Keeping Your Car Safe

It's also important to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. We would recommend you start with the following items:

• First Aid Kit

• Jumper Cables

• Tire Chains

• FLates

• Full Tank of Gas

• Bag of Sand or Cat Litter

• Shovel, Ice Scraper, and Snow Brush

• Tow Rope

• Blanket, Boots, Gloves and Warm Clothing

• Flashlight

• Food and Water

• Cell Phone Charger

Obviously, the best way to ensure you aren't trapped in inclement weather is to travel only when it has passed. However, that's not always realistic for those working or traveling this holiday season. These essentials will help you survive in most events until help reaches you or conditions clear. 

Tips for Driving Safely in Snow

When driving, you take three actions: accelerating, turning and braking. A good rule of thumb when driving in snow is to do only one of these actions at a time. Below are further tips to ensure your safety as you drive:

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated

• Make sure to give your car time to warm up and scrape any snow and ice from vehicle

• Drive slowly! Press the gas lightly to ensure your car doesn't skip or fishtail off the road

• Brake sooner and slower. It will take more time on slippery surfaces to slow down. Give your vehicle plenty of time and space. 

• Don't tailgate! Keep a healthy distance between other vehicles in case they come to a sudden stop

• When traveling uphill, maintain momentum to avoid spinning out or getting stuck

• When traveling downhill, shift to a lower gear and slowly tap your brakes

• If driving in the dark, keep your headlights low. High-beam headlights will amplify the presence of snow and decrease your visibility

Should your car get damaged this winter, or if you'd like more information on preventive actions you can take to avoid a wreck, we at Bob Moore Collision Center are here to help. We specialize in vehicle repair and maintenance for a host of brands, including Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Dodge, Jeep, Subaru, Jeep and many others. We've got you covered from paint and fender benders to body work. Reach out to our team for assistance today!