It’s Not Too Late to Winterize Your Car– Three steps to take now

As the halfway point of winter approaches, it’s not too late to winterize your car. To ensure your vehicle is ready to finish out winter and perform in the spring, aspects of your vehicle should be inspected now.

First, your tires should be properly inflated, rotated and the tread of each tire inspected. Winter weather related conditions increase the rate of tire tread wear down. Worn down, underinflated tries can increase the likelihood of your vehicle losing traction, resulting in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approximately 11,000 accidents occur annually in the United States, due to tire-related issues. Properly inspecting your tire’s treads and maintaining adequate tire pressure can reduce your risk of losing traction in poor weather conditions.

Second, if your windshield wipers are streaking, squeaking or skipping, it’s time for you to replace them. Windshield wipers perform a crucial safety task in keeping your field of vision obstruction free. Without this function, your driving visibility becomes reduced, increasing the likelihood of being involved in an accident. It is also important to keep your windshield wiper fluid filled and ready for use. Without sufficient wiper fluid, even new windshield wipers will not be able to do their job. The Federal Highway Administration reports that impaired visibility is a leading factor in 46% of fatal car accidents. In winter weather, your wipers work overtime to remove snow, salt and water. Replacing inadequately functioning wipers with new ones will increase your visibility and safety on the road.

Finally, and arguably the most important aspect of your vehicle’s safety are your brakes. During the winter months, your vehicle’s brakes work overtime in reducing your speed in poor weather conditions. Furthermore, the cold temperatures and the corrosive nature of road salt degrade your braking components. Accordingly, be sure to wash your car thoroughly after a snow storm. If you notice that your brakes are making strange noises or performing poorly, it’s time for an inspection and possible replacement.

Ensuring that your vehicle’s safety features are functioning properly and are appropriately maintained can ultimately increase your safety on the roadway and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

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At Drake, Hileman & Davis, our personal injury attorneys have been concerned for the safety of those in our community for more than 35 years. We have been helping the injured find answers, whenever accidents happen. We have a proven track record of results and satisfied clients. We’re ready to answer your questions and provide you with the legal help you need. Contact us on-line or call us at 1-888-777-7098 to schedule your free consultation in the convenience of your home or at one of our five offices located in Doylestown, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Stroudsburg.