#4. CHECK YOUR WIPER BLADES
Snow, rain, slush, salt, gravel, and reindeer droppings are perils of winter driving. Keeping your windshield clean and clear means your wipers must be strong, like bull. Dreher recommends replacing your blades if they’re more than a year old. The good news: They’re about $15.
#3. CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE AND TREAD
As the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your tires. Properly inflated tires supply better traction on slick roads, so it’s especially important in winter. The recommended tire pressure should be found on a tag posted in the driver-sider door jamb; if it’s not there, refer to the owner’s manual. Check your tread with a quarter by sticking it into a groove.
Pictured: TEKTON 5941 Digital Tire Gauge, 100 PSI ($10 @ Amazon.com)
If part of Washington’s head is showing, you’re good to go; if you see his entire head, it’s time to get new rubber. Quality tires typically last three to four years. And make sure you have all-weathers or snow tires so you don’t accidentally end up going all Mario Kart.
#5. MAINTAIN WINDSHIELD FLUID AND ENGINE-COOLANT LEVELS
A few miles stuck behind a salt truck or an Escalade will leave your windshield filthy; pick up windshield washer fluid with de-icing formula, and check the levels every couple of weeks if your ride doesn’t alert you about low levels automatically. Antifreeze should be used in a 50/50 mix with water to keep your engine cool. (Using 100 percent antifreeze can melt your spark plugs, amongst other things.)
