While few people enjoy driving during the winter months, even less people can avoid it. Whether it’s part of your daily commute, a fast trip to the grocery store, or if you’re traveling out to an area with cold weather, it’s important to prepare your car for the hazards involved with winter travel, especially when it comes to keeping up with car brake repair service in Oklahoma City.
Emergency Kit
It’s always important to have an emergency car kit up to date and on hand. While you can buy pre-made kits that come with many of the gear essentials, such as reflective clothing, jumper cables, flashlights or blankets, it’s also possible to assemble your own. Not only should you pack some supplies to provide warmth, water, and non-perishable food in case you become stranded, you should also consider storing a couple bags of sand or kitty litter in the trunk.
Check Brakes
Try to prevent your car from sliding off the road in ice or snowy weather by making sure your brakes are in perfect working order. Around September, or a couple weeks before making a trip to colder climates, go for car brake repair service at a specialist or mechanic in Oklahoma City to make sure that all pads, fluids and mechanical parts are in excellent working order.
Check Heater
Another area to make sure to double check before the weather gets too cold is the heater and exhaust system. An efficient heater is very important in order to travel comfortably and safely in the cold, so make sure it’s running smoothly with no blockages in the intake or outtake. Carbon monoxide related accidents and injuries generally increase during the colder months, so remember to never leave a car idling in an enclosed area and make sure the tail pipe isn’t blocked by snow.
Know When to Stay Home
Monitor the weather closely whenever traveling, and listen to travel advisories. Whenever possible, avoid driving during freezing rain, sleet, or other kinds of active participation, and never drive when the winds are high. Driving during winter can be deadly, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
