As temperatures drop, snowfall, and icy road conditions occur, driving can become quite dangerous. Did you know that approximately 17 percent of all road accidents occur during winter conditions? One of the best ways you can lessen your chances of getting into an accident during the winter is by winterizing your vehicle.

If you don’t know how to winterize your vehicle, you have come to the right place. We’re going to look at four of the best tips surrounding ways you can winterize your car.

Should you plan to purchase a new or used vehicle, you should consider the Island Auto Group. With a new car and knowledge of how to winterize it, you will further decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.

The Four Tips For Winterizing Your Car

You can use many tips to winterize your vehicle, but we have mentioned four of the most important ones you should consider below.

1. Switch Your Tires To Winter Tires

Although it is possible to use all-season tires during winter conditions, it isn’t recommended because they might not offer you the correct performance capabilities depending on where you live.

Some states experience harsher winter conditions than others, and if you live in a state that experiences an array of hazardous winter conditions, you need to consider installing winter tires. Winter tires are equipped to drive across snow, sleet, ice, and rain while providing ample traction.

Unlike all-season tires that harden when temperatures drop to below freezing, winter tires use unique compounds that are engineered to resist hardening in cold winter conditions. That’s why they are worth installing when you winterize your car.

2. Install Winter Wipers

Did you know that you can install different wipers for different seasons? Not many people realize that there are specific winter wipers. These wipers feature rubber that is engineered to keep ice from collecting on its blades.

Additionally, there are specialized winter wipers that have their own heating elements that are perfect for if you are expecting to drive during snowfalls. However, these winter wipers require a more complex installation process, but it's worth it to be able to see where you are driving.

3. Continuously Maintain Your Tire Pressure

Many don't realize that cold weather can also affect your tire pressure and not just your tires themselves. Each time the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your tire pressure deflates by one pound per square inch.

That's why you need to winterize your vehicle by ensuring you keep a tire gauge in your vehicle so that you can check the pressure continuously.

Additionally, you should also consider keeping a portable air compressor in your vehicle as it can be convenient to have if your tire pressure goes down while you are driving during winter conditions. It's likely that the last thing you want is to be stranded with flat tires during winter.

4. Use Antifreeze Correctly

One of the best winterizing tips we can give you for your vehicle is to use antifreeze correctly. Although antifreeze doesn't keep the water in your engine from freezing, it lowers the temperature at which the water in your engine can freeze.

The antifreeze and water work together to keep your engine operational during winter conditions. Yet, remember that you should adhere to an appropriate antifreeze and water ratio for best results. Always put in one part undiluted antifreeze to one part water.

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Now you know how to winterize your vehicle. Suppose you purchase a new vehicle from Island Auto Group. In that case, it's best to consider following these car winterization tips from the beginning to ensure your car doesn’t sustain damage during the winter. Should you want to learn more about the various other ways you can winterize your car, our team is here to help you.

When you purchase a car through us, we will be sure to let you in on all the winterization tips and tricks you need to know. To speak with one of our knowledgeable auto experts, you can call us at (718) 987-7100 or visit our dealership in Staten Island, New York.