Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Avoid Unnecessary Breakdowns

Avoid problems starting your car in the morning and other common issues with your vehicle in the winter by following this list of things to do to get your car ready for winter! However, if you have any issues on the road here in Lakewood, Washington, you can call the towing professionals at Fife Service & Towing for emergency roadside assistance any time of the day, any day of the week!

How To Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Be sure to take care of the following before embarking on any winter road trips this year. This way, you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns and inconvenience on the road.

1. Test Your Battery

Cold weather can significantly impact your battery’s performance. Make sure you test your battery and ensure it can hold up to the winter. You can check the battery’s condition by using a computerized battery tester. If you don’t have your own battery tester, most auto parts stores will let you test your battery for free. Make sure you understand how to safely jumpstart your battery in case of a problem starting your car one of those winter mornings.

2. Check Tires

Worn tires don’t mix well with the winter or rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest. Worn tires increase your stopping distance and decrease your vehicle’s stability on wet roads. Keep in mind that just a single skid into a curb at five miles per hour can cost you thousands in damage to your vehicle’s suspension and steering components. Instead of spending money on a deductible, make sure to replace any tires with low tread with new tires. In fact, you should consider winter tires to make sure you have the best stability you can have on the road this winter.

3. Check Your Coolant

Your coolant system protects your engine from freezing and cracking. Engine coolant also contains additives that help prevent corrosion along with lubricants to keep the entire system in good shape. Make sure your coolant is at an appropriate level. If you’re worried about whether your coolant is providing the best protection possible for your vehicle, take it into a reputable auto repair shop to get a tune-up.

4. Switch to Winter Wiper Blades

Ordinary wiper blades don’t work as well against snow and ice as winter wiper blades. With winter wiper blades, a rubber boot encloses the whole blade which prevents ice and snow from sticking or packing. By switching to winter wiper blades, you can greatly improve your visibility on the road. This process results in safer winter driving and less of a need to call for an emergency tow from Fife Service & Towing!

5. Replace the Cabin Air Filter

Clogged cabin air filters can significantly reduce the airflow through your vehicle’s heater. If the cabin air filter is clogged, you can really stress the blower motor and you risk overheating the blower motor resister. If you’re going to replace your cabin air filter, make sure that you pay attention to the orientation of the old filter as you take it out. Replace the cabin air filter in the same orientation.

6. Test the Brakes

When you’re driving on rain, snow, ice, and sleet, it’s critical that your vehicle’s brakes are in good condition. Increased stopping distances can spell disaster in certain situations, so make sure to take your vehicle into a reputable auto repair shop for a brake tune-up if needed.

7. Assemble a Winter Emergency Kit

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car in case you are stranded on the side of the road and need to stay safe and comfortable while you wait for a tow from the professionals at Fife Service & Towing.

There are a few things that you should include in the winter to ensure your safety and other motorists’ safety:

• candle-powered heater.
• small LED flashlight.
• car charger for your cell phone and other devices.
• notepad and pencil.
• portable air compressor.
• foldable shovel.
• warm hat and gloves.

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How Can Fife Service and Towing Help You?

As a fourth generation Towing Company in Tacoma, Fife Towing is experienced in all things related to towing. Not only do you receive superior towing quality, but you will be treated with care and respect. Fife Towing comes to every job with two goals in mind, first to get to the customer as fast and prepared as possible, and then to handle the towing request as if it were for a friend or family member. You are in safe and reliable hands when you call Fife Towing to resolve your towing needs!