Prepare Your Used Car for Winter Weather with These Tips
How Indiana Drivers Can Stay Safe on the Road in Snow and Sleet
Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dried “best used car for winter.” For Indiana residents, that means practicing safe driving and being prepared for anything is the best way to stay safe.
Before snow or sleet falls across the tri-state area, take action now to ensure your used car is ready, including completing maintenance, packing emergency kits, and practicing safe driving skills in the event of icy, snowy, or slushy roads.
Maintenance Tasks for Your Used Car
Your new-to-you buy here pay here car or one that you’ve owned for years all require your care throughout the course of ownership. Regular maintenance is key to the longevity and durability of your vehicle, but certain seasonal tasks can help ensure your ride runs perfectly all winter.
Accomplish these maintenance tasks before winter weather and cold temperatures hit:
Top off your windshield wiper fluid with a formula meant for cold weather. Specialty formulas won’t freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
Put your snow tires on. Most used cars for sale are equipped with all-season tires, but for added safety, consider swapping to some made out of a specialty rubber designed to grip the road in the cold. All-season tires harden in cold temperatures, which decreases traction.
Get an oil change, to ensure your oil is the right thickness in colder temperatures. Follow a regular oil change schedule to keep all the parts in your engine lubricated and freely moving.
Refer to your owner manual for more seasonal maintenance tips specific to your make and model.
How to Drive in Inclement Weather
Obviously, it’s best to avoid travel altogether during bad weather. If you can’t help but drive during snow or sleet, follow these tips.
If you begin to slide or skid, follow these steps:
Take your foot off the gas pedal.
Steer your car in the direction you want your vehicle to go.
If your used car has standard brakes, pump them gently. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), gently apply your brakes. Never “slam” them.
If your vehicle gets stuck in ice or snow, follow this process:
Don’t hit the gas in hopes your vehicle will move forward. This may only dig your tires deeper or cause your car to launch forward once it gains even a small amount of traction. Doing this can cause a wreck.
Turn your steering wheel from side to side. This can push slush and snow away from your tires.
Dig snow away from your tires, and pour kitty litter or sand in the path of the tires to gain traction.
Put your automatic transmission vehicle into first gear (labeled as “1” or “L” on your shifter) and lightly apply the gas pedal. The higher torque output may help your vehicle dislodge.
Now that you know how to drive safely, it’s time to create an emergency supply kit to stow in your vehicle. You need both a general kit and a winter kit.
Pack Emergency Supplies
An emergency supply kit helps ensure your personal safety should you be stranded in your vehicle during a winter weather event. At a minimum, your winter kit should include:
Ice scraper
Portable shovel (for step 3 of dislodging your vehicle from ice or snow)
Kitty litter (also for step 3)
Blanket
Warm winter accessories, including hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and a spare coat
You also should have a year-round emergency kit, including:
Flashlight with spare batteries
First aid kit
Flashing LED light to attract attention to your location
Portable jump starter
Portable power supply
Non-perishable food and water
Spare tire and jack
Tire sealant, sometimes marketed as “Fix-a-Flat”
Duct tape and basic tools
Safely stow all of these items in a duffle bag, basket, or plastic tote in your trunk, SUV or van cargo area, or under your truck’s seats.
What About Four-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive?
Don’t be misled - just because a vehicle is equipped with 4WD or AWD doesn’t mean it won’t ever slip or slide on ice or sleet. However, many people consider vehicles like these to be the best used cars for winter because their features do add an additional layer of safety.
However, the ideal vehicle for winter driving in Indiana is one that won’t break down on the side of the road. Car shoppers find reliable buy here pay here cars that fit into their budget when it’s time to own a used car they can trust.
