Everything You Need to Know about Winterizing Your Vehicle in New Hampshire

As the winter season approaches in New Hampshire, preparing your vehicle for the cold and snowy conditions is essential to ensure safe and reliable driving. At McFarland Ford, we understand the unique challenges that winter weather can pose to drivers, which is why we thought we’d go over everything you need to know about winterizing your vehicle today. While we’re still a few months away at this point in time, we want to make sure you have plenty of time to get prepared if you need it. So, keep reading to learn of a few crucial steps to getting your vehicle ready for winter.

One of the most critical aspects of winterizing your vehicle is ensuring that your tires are in optimal condition for driving on snow and ice. Consider switching to winter tires for improved traction and stability in cold weather, or getting tire chains if you know you’ll be driving in particularly dangerous conditions. Regardless, make sure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth to navigate slippery roads safely.

Cold weather can put additional strain on your vehicle's battery, making it essential to have it tested before winter arrives. A weak battery may struggle to start your car in freezing temperatures, so ensure that your battery is in good condition and replace it if necessary. Needing to jump start your car is never a fun experience, but it becomes truly dangerous in especially cold weather if you get stuck somewhere without readily available help.

Brakes are crucial for safe winter driving, so we certainly recommend having them inspected by a professional here at McFarland Ford. Ensure that your brake pads, rotors and brake fluid are in good condition to provide reliable stopping power on icy roads.

Top up essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid to ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly in cold weather. Consider using winter-grade oil and antifreeze to protect your engine and prevent freezing. It’s also a good idea to get windshield washer fluid with deicer, as it makes clearing your window off that much easier.

Visibility is key during winter driving, so replace worn-out wiper blades with new ones to ensure clear visibility in snow and sleet. Consider using winter-specific wiper blades that are designed to handle icy conditions effectively. If it’s been a while since you last replaced your blades, consider doing so even if they don’t seem worn out. You don’t want to notice they aren’t working well in the middle of a blizzard. 

Be prepared for unexpected winter emergencies by packing an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include items such as a blanket, flashlight, extra warm clothing, non-perishable snacks, a shovel, road flares or reflectors and jumper cables to stay safe in case of a breakdown or accident. These are just the basics, there are many other things you could pack in your kit, so don’t hesitate to do some research on everything you should bring along.

The final thing we recommend to ensure that your vehicle is fully prepared for winter is to schedule a comprehensive winter maintenance check at McFarland Ford. Our experienced technicians can inspect your vehicle, address any potential issues, and provide expert recommendations to keep your car, truck or SUV running smoothly throughout the winter season.

By following these winterizing tips and preparing your vehicle for the challenges of winter driving in New Hampshire, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free driving experience. You can give us a call with any questions that you might have. Trust McFarland Ford to help you winterize your vehicle and stay safe on the roads this winter.