Assuming you haven’t prepared your Ford car for winter yet 

Assuming you haven’t prepared your Ford car for winter yet

It’s winter time again, when driving becomes even more challenging and dangerous, what with the snow and ice that come with the season. According to FEMA the leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. So if you haven’t prepped your Ford car, SUV or truck for the winter season yet (highly unlikely) or if you haven’t ordered new auto parts from Ford Parts Online for those dimmed out headlights or worn wiper blades – better get moving now, you don’t want to end up in the emergency room when all you wanted was to get to your family’s Christmas dinner.

Just in case you haven’t done so yet, here are the things you should have your mechanic check:

* Battery
* Antifreeze
* Wipers and windshield washer fluid
* Ignition system
* Thermostat
* Lights
* Flashing hazard lights
* Exhaust system
* Heater
* Brakes
* Defroster
* Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

Remember too, to:

Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.

Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.

Carry a winter emergency kit inside your vehicle.