5 Ways to Make Your Honda Safer this Winter

Winter is one of the worst times of the year to experience car problems. By staying on schedule with routine maintenance and following a few other steps, you can prevent your vehicle from breaking down in the cold and snow. Here are five ways you can make your Honda safer this winter.

1. Get Problems Checked Proactively

If you notice your Honda is making an unusual sound or it’s underperforming in some way, don’t wait to get it checked. Schedule a time to take it to the dealership. The trained technicians who specialize in caring for Hondas can diagnose and repair the problem before it reaches a critical stage. When you wait to get a potential problem checked, you risk having your car break down at an inopportune time such as in the middle of a blizzard.

2. Make Sure Your Visibility Features Work

Depending on the kind of Honda you own, you have equipment that’s designed to enhance your ability to see outside the vehicle while driving. It’s a good idea to check all windshield wipers for signs of wear. If the rubber on the edge of the blade is cracked, warped, or torn, you need to buy and install replacement blades. Make sure the front and rear defrosters are working to blast warm air onto your windshield.

3. Pack an Emergency Kit

By packing an emergency kit, you’re making your Honda safer. Ideally, your kit should contain a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, flares, a small spade, material for traction such as cat litter or sand, an ice scraper, an extra cell phone charger, snacks, and bottled water. The kit should contain items that help you survive if you get stuck in the snow as well as things to help you get your car back on the road. Either in the emergency kit itself or in your glove compartment, pack a first-aid kit.

4. Have the Fluids Replenished

Replacing certain fluids is an important step in winterizing your Honda. For starters, you want to make sure you have the right amount and kind of coolant. Mixed in the right proportions with water, antifreeze stops fluids from freezing inside your car’s radiator. In winter, you usually want to use thinner oil because it performs better when temperatures slip below freezing. Don’t forget to use windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze. With the right kind of wiper fluid, you can use it to help clean your window in very cold weather.

5. Change to Snow Tires

You can make your Honda safer by putting snow tires on it. Made with pliable treads, winter tires have an easier time conforming to the road to increase grip and decrease slippage. Whether you use snow or all-season tires, keep tabs on your tire pressure throughout the winter to ensure they stay properly inflated.

If you have questions about the kind of fuel or tire to use on your Honda, simply go to the dealership where Honda technicians can help you find the right products for your vehicle.