Anyone who lives in Ames, IA knows that winter is coming. It brings with it some challenges for Central Iowa drivers. Snow on the roads can cause accidents, and it certainly slows down the morning commute. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help ensure that you and your loved ones are safe during the winter months!
What you might want to have in your car
During the winter it’s a good idea to always have some blankets or other warm articles of clothing in the car. It’s easy to rush out of the house without a hat or gloves, after all. And, heaven forbid, if you or another driver of your vehicle ends up stranded it’s good to have some extra layers on hand.
On that note, having some cat litter in the vehicle can actually be useful. Wait, cat litter? Let us explain.
If kept in the back of your car, it adds some weight to help prevent slides on icy roads. However, it can also be used to help get your car moving again if you’re stuck in the snow. To do this, dig a small hole behind the stuck wheel, and use that to feed in the litter so that the tire has something to grip.
Having a couple of water bottles, snacks, and a blanket is also recommended. There are emergency kits, which also often include an air pump, sealant for obvious holes in your tires, and a reflective triangle. Especially if you’ll be out in farmland without good cell service, you want to make sure you have the equipment to get yourself going again.
Some of you might be wondering: “How will I get stuck in the snow? I’m a good driver and have 4×4!” The unfortunate truth is that it’s not always about how well you drive. Black ice, other drivers, and dead batteries are all hazards that even the best drivers can’t control.
Preventive maintenance for the winter
Given the example above, getting some preventive work done on your vehicle prior to winter’s true onset can be a good idea. Having a mechanic check the battery, brakes, and fluids could save you a big headache down the road.
When it comes to tires, you’ll want to make sure you have sufficient tread. If you’re a sports car owner, it could be time for winter tires.
Another thing to ask yourself, is when did you last change your cabin air filter? Autumn can lead to leaves, sticks, and plenty of pollen to clog up your air filter. This can affect the quality of air in your vehicle, but car owners will be more concerned that heating up your car can take longer. On most cars, this is a simple switch, but some models require you to remove paneling and even the fuse.
Luckily, at Deery of Ames we have a service department that can handle all of these tasks on your behalf.
Winter is coming, but you’ll be ready
Whether we like it or not, winter is coming to Iowa. There’s nothing that we can do about the changing seasons, but we can make sure to be prepared for them.
As outlined above, there are also some practical and some technical things that Ames, IA residents can do to help keep themselves safe in the winter.
Schedule an appointment with our service department today to get your car checked out before the snow starts to fall.
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