Let's all take a moment and collectively moan at the thought of driving through icy roads and inclement weather. Okay. Did we get it out of our system? Great. Because while black ice and cold weather are inevitable, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road. It all starts with providing your car with a little extra care. By staying on top of your vehicle's regular repairs and maintenance, you can be confident that your model will safely get you where you need to be. Here at Joe Cooper Dodge of Yukon, we have your back. Keep reading to learn more about vehicle maintenance for that brutal Oklahoma winter!

Top 4 Winter Tips

1. Switch Tires

The first thing you should consider is your tire health. When the seasons change and it gets cold, switch out your summer tires for wintertime ones. Because of their increased flexibility, winter tires are more adaptable to temperature changes than summer tires. If your tires are in good shape, you'll have better traction as you drive through the snowiest, coldest or iciest roads.

Plus, be sure to check your tire pressure consistently. With every 10-degree drop in temperature (Fahrenheit), your tires can lose up to one pound of pressure, on average. So, those winter months can wreak havoc on your tire pressure if you're not careful. We recommend keeping an eye on it and keeping your tires filled to the correct PSI as recommended by your owner's manual.

2. Keep Your Tank Full

While it seems obvious, keep an eye on your gas tank! In the winter, it's common for drivers to let their tanks run low because they don't want to stop in the cold weather. However, this can be problematic for a few reasons. First, if you run out of gas, you're stuck in the cold until someone can bring you more. This is especially dangerous if you're in a remote area. Secondly, if your tank is only partially full, the water in the gas can freeze and expand, causing damage to your fuel system. So make sure to keep an eye on that gas gauge and fill it up before it gets too low!

3. Keep Cool with Coolant/Antifreeze

It's important to keep an eye on your car's antifreeze levels, especially in cold weather. Low antifreeze levels can cause your engine to freeze, leading to expensive repairs. Your car's coolant keeps your engine from freezing in cold temperatures.

4. Have a Survival Kit

Living in an area that gets cold and snowy in the winter, it's essential to be prepared. One way to do this is to make a survival kit for your car. This can help you if you get stranded or have an emergency. Things you may want to include in your kit are flashlights, jumper cables, a phone charger, a first-aid kit, blankets and sweaters, etc. Making a survival kit is a great way to be prepared for anything. By having one in your car, you can rest assured, knowing that you have everything you need if something happens.