Living in the southwest region of the United States brings many conveniences during the wintertime, like not having to worry about the next big snowstorm and replacing our car tires with winter tires. The main struggle we have when we hop into our vehicles is figuring out how to get the heater to run on high without fogging up our windshield. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to winter car maintenance down here either. It’s important to take some time to prepare your vehicle for the inclement weather.
Check the tire pressure
Did you know that with every 10-degree drop in temperature, you lose an average of 1 pound of tire pressure? Driving on tires with lower tire pressure can cause a number of complications, including losing traction on road surfaces and wearing down your tires prematurely. San Antonio roads are known for sleet during the wintertime, so take a few minutes every week or so to check the tire pressure in your tires. You can find the correct amount of tire pressure (PSI) needed in the owner’s manual. Make things a bit easier by scribbling that down on a little yellow sticky note so you can find it easily and be less likely to put it off.
Take care of your windshield wipers
The windshield wipers on your vehicle are used to the classic rain pour, but it’s likely they’re not able to survive being frozen to your windshield and then pried off before your trip. If you park your vehicle outside at any point during the day, it’s a good idea to leave the wipers up in the air to avoid future damage. Plan to put in some elbow grease with an ice scraper instead of relying on your windshield to remove ice or frost.
Keep your tank at least half full
Luckily, within the city lights of our beautiful town, there are gas stations at almost every intersection. But if you plan to do any traveling during the holidays, especially on any remote country Texas roads, fill up your tank before you go, or at least keep the tank half full at all times if you forget. Sitting in a broken-down car on the side of a dark road in the freezing cold is not how you want to spend any night this winter.
Add some tools to your trunk
It’s not a bad idea to be extra prepared during the cold winter months. Head to your garage and gather together a few helpful tools to throw in the trunk: a tire pressure gauge, an ice scraper, a tire jack, and spare windshield wipers. While you’re “shopping” at home, grab a blanket, an extra pair of gloves, a couple of water bottles, and some snacks for your trunk in the event of a car breakdown. Bonus points if you get those little instant hand warmers that you can put inside your gloves to keep your whole body warm.
Wherever your travels take you this winter, be safe and always remember you have an entire team in SOGO looking out for your best interests. Our auto insurance policies are affordable and thorough, so don’t leave yourself unprotected.
In case you missed it: “How to Avoid Holiday Cooking Disasters” might not be able to make you an overnight Chef Gordan Ramsey, but it will keep you and your loved ones out of the hospital in the most wonderful time of the year. For your insurance needs, you can count on SOGO Insurance, so reach out to us and save yourself a holiday headcache.
