Before you know it, winter will have arrived in Sidney, MT. With the cold, snow, and ice that a Montana winter brings, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is winterized and prepared for any winter weather that may come our way. Here are five tips to help you prepare your vehicle for winter.
1) Have Winter Service Performed
Along with your typical routine maintenance items, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections, you should also have winter maintenance done on your vehicle. These include:
- Battery Inspections - The cold weather can be tough on your car's battery. To ensure that it's well charged and won't leave you stranded, you'll want to have your battery inspected and, in some cases, replaced.
- Fluid Checks - Your car is filled with fluids and oils that do diminish over time. Make sure that these fluids are full, not leaking, and clean. You'll also want to check your antifreeze and coolant ratios.
- Brakes - One thing that you don't need to fail, especially when you're on icy roads, is your brakes. Have our technicians inspect and repair any part of your brakes that needs it before winter arrives.
2) Change to Winter Tires
While it's possible to use all-season tires during the winter months, it's not recommended for our area. Whether you're driving your Ram 1500 around Riverview, MT, you're running errands in the snow in Lambert, Mt, or you're using your Jeep Wrangler off the beaten path in Fairview, MT, you'll want to make sure winter tires are installed. Winter tires are designed specifically for freezing temperatures and snowy roadways and will help keep you firmly planted on the icy roads.
3) Attend to Windshield Wipers and Fluid
You should also change your windshield wipers to a sturdier winter option. These winter wipers contain a special type of rubber that deter icy buildup. They tend to be heavier than normal wipers, so they shouldn't be left on throughout the entire year. You should also make sure your washer fluid is always full, as well as your gas tank.
4) Check Heating System
Heat is essential when driving around Montana in the winter months. Not only does it make your commute much more comfortable, but it also defrosts the windows to allow you to see the road clearly. Before winter arrives, make sure to inspect and test out your heater, defroster, and rear window defroster.
5) Pack a Winter Safety Kit
While you can be as prepared as possible, accidents do happen. Whether you're hit by another driver or veer off the road on your own, you'll want to make sure you have a winter safety kit prepared. Your winter safety kit should include items such as:
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Non-Perishable Food and Beverages
- Extra Winter Clothing and Blankets
- Flares, Jumper Cables, Car Tool Kit, and more
- Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter and a Shovel
- Matches
- And Whatever Else You May Need
Contact Action Auto to Schedule Your Winter Service Appointment
We'd love to help any of our Riverview, MT, Lambert, Mt, or beyond drivers with their winter car service. Feel free to contact our Action Auto service center or use our online service scheduling tool to make a service appointment. We also have many new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles and used vehicles available, if you're looking to upgrade to a different car, truck, SUV, or van.