Winter is fast approaching and some areas have already seen snow. It is still warm enough that you may not have noticed any issues with your Jeep, but if you do not properly winterize your vehicle, you could be setting yourself up for a breakdown on a cold night. Here are eight essential winterization tips that all Jeep owners should heed, even if yours is brand new.
- Consider switching to a winter tire if your area receives significant snow each year. Even if you have off-road tires, a winter specialized product can give your Jeep a better grip in snow and slush.
- Look in your owner’s manual and change your tire pressure to maximize grip in the snow. A little spongier stance often helps traction.
- The battery is the most common culprit when you get stranded in cold weather. Change yours if the power windows are moving slowly or your headlights seem dim. It is definitely time to buy a new battery if yours is more than three years old.
- Have your brakes inspected.
- Have your anti-freeze tested and/or replaced. If your Jeep is several years old, you may want to consider having the coolant system back-flushed.
- Replace your wiper blades and top off the wiper fluid reservoir with a product that includes a de-icer.
- Check all belts and hoses for wear. Look for cracking, bulges, or fraying. Replace any item that looks a bit dodgy.
- Run your four wheel drive in all settings. You will want to make sure it operates smoothly and that you do not hear odd noises when it is engaged.
Driving in the wintery conditions is often a source of anxiety and frustration. The only thing that you can do to alleviate some of the stress is to insure that your Jeep is ready for what may come. A proper winterization regimen should keep you driving all winter without having to call for assistance at any point.
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