Living in Chicago can be a great experience. The city is full of many great activities, has a strong local economy, and has good weather during parts of the year. While the Summer, Fall, and Spring in Chicago can be nice, the cold and wet conditions can make the winter very hard to deal with. While winter is hard on everyone, it is also hard on your car. Fortunately, there are a variety of tips that can be followed to help anyone prepare their vehicles for winter driving in Chicago.
Check Your Tires
During the winter in Chicago, it is very likely that you will have to deal with snowy, wet, and even frozen roads. Because of this, you will need to make sure that your tires are prepared for it. Before it gets too cold out, you should check the pressure of your tires and the treads. If the tires are leaking air or look worn down, it could be time to put on a new set. This will give you much better traction during the winter.
Winter Engine Oil
The oil change is one of the most important types of routine maintenance. While most people know that they need to get their oil changed every few months, many do not realize that there is a type of oil that is ideal for wintry conditions. The colder that it is outside, the thinner that you will want your engine oil to be. When you take your vehicle in for an oil change, you should make sure you spend time speaking with the technician to make sure you get the best engine oil possible for your cold Chicago winter.
Check Fluids
Another tip that you should follow when you are getting ready for winter driving in Chicago is to check the engine coolant and other levels. During the winter months, there is always a chance that your car engine could freeze if you do not have the right antifreeze levels in the vehicle. Because of this, it is very important to make sure that you have the right type of antifreeze and the right level. At the same time, you will want to make sure that you have coolant in your vehicle to prevent it from overheating. You can normally get a full fluid check and top-off when you take in your vehicle for an engine oil replacement service.
Winter Preparedness Kit
Most importantly, you need to make sure that you have a quality kit in your car that will ensure you are prepared for a variety of negative situations. Some of the key items to have in your car will include having a tire removal kit, a spare tire, road flares, a flashlight, a couple of blankets, and jumper cables. You should also make sure that your phone is charged, especially when you are going on a longer road trip. All of these tips will help to ensure that you will be fully prepared when the winter time comes.