Winter weather is fast approaching, so do everything in your power to make sure you’re ready to go when the inevitable snowpocalypse hits.
Here’s an easy-to-follow checklist that will get you and your car prepared for anything Jack Frost has to throw at you!
The 7 Steps to Winterize Your Ride
Check fluid levels (especially antifreeze, oil, and top off freeze-proof windshield washer fluid)
Keep your gas tank at least half full
Pack an emergency kit (include a blanket, crank-powered flashlight, snacks, first aid kit, gloves, jumper cables, portable air compressor, towing straps, phone charger, and matches/lighter. Plus anything else that may come in handy!)
Always keep an ice scraper/brush in your vehicle to remove all snow and ice from the windows, hood, roof, and trunk before driving—which could mean getting up a few minutes early to warm up the car before your commute to work or school!
Do a once-over of all systems in your vehicle: check heater and defroster, test four-wheel drive (if applicable), ensure headlights, taillights, and turn signals work, inspect belts & hoses for wear, and make sure your car battery and charging system are working properly
Check tire tread depth and pressure, making sure the tread is not worn past 6/32”, and the tread depth is greater than 2/32”. You can easily check to make sure your tire tread is ready for the snow using only a quarter! (more on this under "Tire Tips")
Finally, protect your vehicle against winter's harsh elements by getting a car wash that includes a ceramic wax coating. The harsh chemicals used to melt snow are tough on winter weather—and tough on your car. ZIPS makes it easy to protect your ride's paint job from the snow, sleet, and salt alike, most effectively with a Pro or Premier wash.
Tire Tips
How do you check the depth of your tire treads? The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends these easy steps to help ensure your tires are safe for travel:
Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with Washington’s head going in first
If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are good to go—make sure to test at multiple points around each tire!
If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire, you need new tires.
You might also consider swapping your tires out for winter tires designed specifically for the harsh elements of ice and snow if you live in a state that's more prone to longer, more difficult winters
Remember, the best time to check a tire tread is during the day when the sun is shining and temperatures are comfortable.
The same goes for the best time to clean your car in the winter. ZIPS Car Washes are designed to clean your car thoroughly and beautifully with no effort on your part — stay as toasty as summertime inside your ride while rolling through an automatic car wash like ZIPS to wash off corrosive chemicals used to melt ice on the roads.
Stay safe this winter!