Winter is strenuous for your vehicle, and taking the time to prepare it for winter can make all the difference when it comes to you and your family’s safety. There is no such thing as being overprepared when driving through the winter months, especially when you live in Kansas’ northern climate. Here are several steps to take when preparing your vehicle for the bitter Kansas winter.
Stock Your Vehicle
During the winter months, you should stock your car or truck with essential winter items you usually wouldn’t consider during other seasons. Even if you never have to utilize these additional items, it is always better to have them in case of an emergency. Here’s a simple list of essential things to stock your car with during winter:
- An ice scraper, snow shovel, and a broom.
- Winter blankets and coats in case you are stranded.
- Kitty litter, sand, or traction mats in case your car loses traction in the snow.
- Food, water, a cell phone charger, any medication you are taking, and a first aid kit.
- Flares, flashlights, emergency markers, and jumper cables.
Invest in Snow Tires
Tires are your vehicle’s most valuable asset when driving in the winter months in Kansas. Tires provide the traction necessary to keep your car firmly planted to the driving surface. When your tires are worn, cracked, or otherwise compromised, they won’t perform well in cold weather and can leave you stranded or cause you to have an accident. When preparing your vehicle for winter, your tires should be of the utmost concern as you check them for tread depth, signs of wear, cracks or punctures, or any other abnormalities.
If you suspect that your tires may not perform up to winter driving standards, you will want to invest in new tires. Snow tires are perfect for winter driving as they are designed to have as much traction as possible when driving in inclement weather conditions. Some people have a set of winter wheels they swap out yearly before winter, and this is an option to consider for your vehicle.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
One thing you don’t want to happen is to find yourself stranded in the snow and ice with an empty tank. When traveling through the harsh Kansas winter, it is imperative to keep your gas tank as close to full as possible. This will allow you to run your vehicle and the heat in ten-minute intervals for every hour you are trapped. When you implement this method and have access to the winter blankets and coats you have already packed, you will be protected from the cold for an extended time. Remember to fill up often when driving during the winter months.
These are several steps you can take when preparing your vehicle for driving through the Kansas winter months. It’s best if you can avoid driving when weather conditions are calling for inclement weather. If you must travel, having your vehicle prepared, planning ahead, and providing yourself extra travel time can help keep you, your family, and other passengers safe.
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