October 29, 2021
Stay Safe On The Road This Winter
The seasons are changing once again with the arrival of fall colors in the Midwest and northeast of the country. As the weather slowly changes over these next few weeks, you should start planning your car for winter weather. The last thing you’d want to be is stranded on the side of a desolate highway in the middle of a blizzard. Planning is essential as the old adage states: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Listed below are a few things to get done before the snow starts flying, and it’ll be too late. If you need legal assistance in an accident, you can consult with an accident attorney Roseville CA.
Visit a Good Mechanic
Taking your car to a trusted mechanic is paramount to ensure that certain work gets done to your car by an expert. Your mechanic will make sure that all of your fluids are at the correct levels and that your engine is running decently. We will go into detail about some of the checks that your mechanic will look out for during your car’s Fall check-up.
Oil Viscosity
Oil changes and level checks are standard during a check-up, although in this case, it’s also a good idea to switch viscosity when you get your oil changed. Viscosity is the “weight” of a motor oil and the pouring ability of the oil during certain temperatures. If you normally use 10W-30 during the summer months, it would be a good idea to switch to 5W-30 or 0W-30 as the thinner oil won’t sludge up during cold temperature start-ups. You can always switch it back to your original viscosity come March or April. A good Roseville accident attorney can help those in need after an accident to ensure that they’re protected under the law.
Coolant Levels & Your Radiator
If it’s been a long time since your radiator’s been replaced, it’s probably a good time to replace it. The fins of a radiator get hit with rocks and debris over time and after a few years, most of those fins will be bent in, blocking airflow out of the front of the engine bay. This can cause engine temperatures to rise into the red zone, and it will also affect heating and cooling capabilities. Also, your mechanic will check your coolant level to make sure that your level is good.
Battery
What good is having your car prepared for winter if you can’t start your car on a cold morning due to a dead battery? Your mechanic will test your battery load level to make sure that it can still take a charge from the alternator (which will also be tested and replaced if need be) and replace the battery if needed. You should contact a Roseville accident lawyer to learn more about what you’re legally entitled to after a damaging accident.
Transmission Fluid & Tires / Brakes
Your mechanic will round out their inspection by making sure that your transmission shifts smoothly with decent fluid levels. Your brakes and brake fluid levels will also be inspected and brakes / rotors replaced if need be.
What You Can Do
Once your car is fully prepped by your mechanic for the harsh realities of winter weather, the onus is on you to make sure that you’re fully prepared for any possibility on the road. Drive safely and always keep your eyes peeled on the road for changing weather conditions.
Plan Accordingly & Have A Road Kit With You
You should monitor weather forecasts and leave the house early to account for extra time on the road to get to your destination. Keep a road kit with you that includes a flashlight, flares, a jug of water, a first aid kit, and medicine. You should also keep a duffel bag of warm clothes and a full-sized comforter to keep warm in case of an accident.
Learn More
If you’d like to know more about staying safe on the road this winter and what your legal options are after an accident, please contact Manzoor Law Firm today!