Preparing Your Car for Winter
 It is officially winter! Which means the relentless obstacles that it sometimes presents when trying to get from one place to the next could occur. In this Nature’s Touch, we are providing you with the information you need to maintain your car and your safety during this winter season. 

These are the items you will need to tackle to be safe at home and in your car this winter. These tips cover ways that you can get your home ready for winter and they could save you hundreds of dollars down the road!
Having Your Car Serviced
Your car’s battery is very important and maintaining it is fairly easy. Before winter strikes you should have your battery looked at and possibly replaced. An important area when examining your battery is to see if there is any corrosion on the terminals. For the best results, seek professional help if it needs to be replaced. 
Tires

If you plan on taking any trips where there will be snow, prep your car with winter tires for the best traction. Winter tires use special elements to resist hardening in cold temperatures, ice, snow, slush, and even dry pavements.  

Did you know that every 10° change in temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI? During these cold temperature times, it is very common for your tire pressure light to come on. It is very critical to check your tire pressure every month to make sure you have the optimal tire pressure for the best winter driving results. When refilling your tires, double-check your manual for the correct PSI measurement. 


Washer Fluids
Remember to replace your washer fluid and brake fluid. A single storm can exhaust large amounts of these fluids. If you keep up on these little things your ride will be safer and more pleasant and there will be fewer expenses when going to the mechanic. 
For the Best Results
When planning on driving in these cold temperatures, it is important to start your engine a few minutes early so that it can warm up before you drive. Always remember to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. It is very important to have visibility out of all your windows so be sure that your defrosters are working properly. And make certain you have an emergency kit in your car. This will give you a safety net in a pinch. Below is a picture of what you should have in your car. 
Home Needs
Here is a simple list that will provide you with the best comfort at home during these cold months. 

  1. Assessing windows and doors is the biggest task to ensure that your home stays warm during these months! Did you know that thirty percent of heat loss is due to not having your windows and doors closed or even sealed off? Look for cracks and gaps by windows and doors and caulk the exterior as needed.    
  2. Cleaning the gutters is a task that is essential for protecting your home’s foundation. Having clean gutters helps protect your home from basement flooding. In addition, when cleaning and rehanging gutters use spikes, brackets, or hangers. If you are unable to clean your gutters yourself safely, try to ask a neighbor/friend or hire a professional.
  3. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. You need to replace detectors that are over ten years old. Once you replace the battery, reset your system and make sure the alarm doesn’t go off.
  4. If you have a chimney at your house you regularly need to have the chimney swept. This prevents several different things such as fires, soot, and creosote. You will need to hire a professional to handle this job. 
  5. Winterize your water pipes by draining outdoor spigots to reduce the risk of problems. Turn off the pipes that lead to outside spigots. For maximum protection, purchase a styrofoam cover for your outdoor spigots. 
Whitemarsh Township Parks and Recreation | 610-828-7276 parksandrecreation@whitemarshtwp.org