Winterizing Your Vehicle

11/2/2019 (Permalink)

Don't be caught unprepared! Take precautions now to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter!

We barely flipped the calendar over to November, and winter weather has already arrived here in the areas served by SERVPRO of Glenview.

Don't be caught unprepared! Take the time to get your vehicle tuned up and ready for winter!

If you aren't comfortable doing so yourself, then make sure a mechanic checks the following items on each of your vehicles:

• battery is running and in good condition;
• there is plentiful antifreeze and the vehicle does not need a coolant flush;
• brakes are good and aren't showing wear and tear;
• the tires are properly inflated, have good treads, and are capable of handling the increased stopping distances on slippery roads. Consider getting dedicated winter tires;
• the oil and oil filter have been replaced recently;
• the windshield wipers are functioning and can adequately clear your windshield of rain, snow, slush, or ice;
• the windshield fluid reservoir has been topped off;
• the heater and defroster are working properly;
• all lights have been checked and have working bulbs: headlights, brake lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals.

In addition to keeping your fuel tank as full as possible to avoid frozen fuel lines, consider keeping the following emergency supplies available in your vehicle:

• windshield brush and ice scraper
• small shovel
• battery-powered flashlight
• battery-powered radio
• extra batteries (for flashlight and radio)
• booster/jumper cables
• emergency flares
• first aid kit
• non-perishable snacks
• extra hats, gloves, jackets, socks, or other warm clothing
• a spare pair of boots
• blanket
• matches
• phone-charging cable
• card with phone numbers for your close family members or friends, in case your phone dies and you need to call them

You may want to keep a portable power bank on your person, as leaving such an item in your vehicle in frigid temperatures is not advised. A portable power bank can be used to power your phone in a situation where your vehicle may be dead and would not be capable of charging your phone. There are even portable power banks which are capable of jump-starting your vehicle for about $100, which may be something you consider investing in.

We hope this serves as a handy reminder for our customers and helps everyone be better prepared for the winter and successfully maneuvering through a winter emergency in your vehicle.

Remember: if you have a water or storm related emergency at your home, call SERVPRO® of Glenview at 847-832-9300. We're your local cleanup and restoration specialists.