Get Your Nissan Ready For Winter

Some people are lucky enough to live in places where the sun shines all winter long, but for us, winter brings cold temperatures and annoyingly slushy weather. While many old-timers have a deep well of winter driving tricks to pull from, some need a refresher on winter driving and how to best prepare your vehicle for cold weather. We’ve rounded up the most important things to keep in mind to help you get your winter driving adventure started on the right path.

Inspect Your Tires

Tires are a vital part of your vehicle’s safety, and as the only part of the car designed to touch the road, they can cause a big problem if they’re not taken care of. Automakers sometimes install summer performance tires at the factory, which are great in warm or wet weather, but are not useful when the temps drop. Summer tires have unique rubber compounds that provide fantastic grip in warm temperatures but can become brittle in cooler weather.

Some may choose to switch between all-season tires and winter rubber too, as all-season tires are not designed to grip in snow. Most new cars get all-season tires, as they provide the widest range of operating conditions, but they are not perfect for every season and location. Winter tires have special tread patterns and unique rubber formulations that help them provide traction in bad weather and remain pliable in cold conditions. 

Even if you don’t need to switch tires, inspect your tires to make sure they have enough tread and that they are correctly inflated. The best snow tires can’t make much of a difference if they have no tread left or are under/over-inflated. This also includes tire rotations, as it’s essential to make sure you have taken care of your tires year-round, not just in winter.

Check Fluids and Give the Engine Bay a Once-Over

Cold weather can put a strain on your engine and mechanical components, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have a fresh oil change and that other fluids are filled to the proper levels. Make sure your coolant is rated for the proper temperatures and your windshield washer fluid has been filled. It’s also a good idea to check your car battery to make sure it can hold a charge and make sure you’re at least aware of the condition of your car’s engine and cabin air filters.

You should also plan to keep your gas tank as full as possible during winter. A full tank of fuel can help keep you warm if you end up stuck, and keeping the tank as full as you can will help prevent condensation and other issues caused by extreme temperatures.

Pack for Emergencies

We’re not saying you need to carry emergency flares, but it’s a good idea to be prepared in case something happens and you are stuck in your vehicle for an extended period. Pack a wool blanket, a flashlight, a few bottles of water, and some packaged snacks in your trunk. Emergency flares aren’t required, but having a way to get other people’s attention isn’t a bad thing. You may also want to carry a snow melt or traction material, such as kitty litter or salt. 

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

The best thing you can do for yourself before winter driving is to make sure that you have enough time to reach your destination safely. That could mean mapping your route ahead of time, checking traffic, and monitoring the weather, depending on where you live. Being in a hurry is a great way to end up losing control of your vehicle, as winter driving requires finesse, and you need to be on top of your game to make sure there are no surprises.

At the end of the day, safe winter driving and vehicle preservation come down to planning and preparation. Don’t wait until the last moment to plan for winter driving trips, especially if you live somewhere exceedingly cold. You don’t have to have the most rugged four-wheel drive vehicle in the world, either, as a good set of snow tires and a steady hand will do more to keep you on the road than a beefy off-road truck.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever Old Man Winter throws at us by scheduling your service today and ensuring your vehicle is in peak condition for winter and holiday travels with your family.