Tips for Preparing Your Car for a Winter Move

Planning a winter move? Don't neglect one of the most important aspects of your relocation: your vehicle. Preparing your car is even more important when it comes to winter moves. If you are driving to your moving destination, make sure it can withstand the trip. Prepare your car for your winter move with some of these helpful moving tips!

Have your car serviced

As your winter move approaches, it's a good idea to bring your car to a service center or dealership to have a routine check-up. Your service professional should be able to tell you if anything is wrong with your vehicle and fix everything before moving day.

• Check your brakes. Make sure they work properly because it's a lot more difficult to stop short in the snow and on icy roads.
• Change your oil. If you are traveling a great distance, this is even more important. Many automobile service centers will also change and refill other fluids, including your antifreeze and wiper fluid.
• Check your tire pressure. Your air pressure tends to decrease more quickly in cold weather than during spring and summer months.
• Check your wipers. You may need to replace your wipers if they cannot clear snow and thin ice off of your windshield.

Have the right supplies ready

You can prepare your car for a winter move, but you must also be prepared. This means having the proper supplies and accessories ready for your trip.

• Keep water bottles in your car. In case of emergency, you may need to stay in your car for an extended period of time. Water is also useful to help melt ice.
• Keep a shovel in your trunk. It is always a good idea to have something to be able to dig your car out of snow. Shovels are also great for breaking up ice around your vehicle to avoid slippage.
• Have jumper cables on-hand. In the event that your battery dies, you can enlist a kind stranger for help. Just make sure you know how to jump a car safely!
• Carry flashlights in your glove box. Flashlights can be useful in any emergency situation, so have one or two on-hand--especially if you are travelling at night.

If you'd like more moving tips for winter, here are some things you can do to make sure you drive safely during your winter move!