How to Prepare Your Car for a California Winter

Fall is officially here, and winter isn’t far behind. Prepare your car for the harsh winter weather by doing the following:

1. Check your owner’s manual and make sure your car is updated on its routine maintenance including changing your oil and oil filter. You should also check the antifreeze/coolant, brakes, automatic transmission, and steering fluids. 

2. Check your car’s battery and battery cables. Look for things like erosion, cracks, and dirt. If your battery is corroded, it may affect the battery’s performance. 

3. Check your wiper blades and replace if they are worn or cracked. 

4. Have your brakes inspected. Including pads and linings. Visit bbb.org to find a licensed brake station in your area. 

5. Be sure all lights on your car are in working condition. Check the lights on the inside and outside of your car – turn signals, brake lights, and high beams. Clean the lenses for maximum visibility. 

6. Inspect the hoses and belts. Look for cracks, soft spots, or bulges. 

7. Test your heater and defroster system before you need it, and make sure everything is working properly. 

8. Check the tread on your tires, including your spare! Also check the tire pressure in all tires, and have them rotated at the recommended intervals.

9. If you are driving through the foothills or mountains, you should also carry tire chains with the possibility of encountering snow.
10. Pack a winter safety kit. Items should include:

• • Jumper cables.

  • Flashlight with extra batteries.

  • Basic first-aid supplies.

  • Blanket and warm clothing.

  • Battery-powered radio with spare batteries.

  • Toolkit.

  • Bottled water and nonperishable food.

  • Safety flares.Windshield ice scraper.

Before hiring a business to to make repairs or perform maintenance on your car, verify their license and additional information at bbb.org.

Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), learn more at bar.ca.gov.