ORLANDO, Fla. – We’ve got tips for protecting your pipes, pets, and plants, so your home and loved ones are ready for the cold.
But don’t forget an often-overlooked part of winter prep: your car. Freezing temperatures can really take a toll if your vehicle isn’t ready. Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I changed my battery?
- Is my antifreeze topped off and working properly?
- Has my engine had trouble starting?
- Have I checked my tires, looked for slow leaks, or cleared any debris?
[FLORIDA FREEZE GUIDE: Everything to know about rare cold, tips and more]
Taking a few minutes now can save a lot of headaches when the cold hits.
When temperatures drop from the highs we saw earlier this week down into the 20s or 30s overnight, you can sometimes wake up to a dead battery or flat tires. A combination of both can make for a very frustrating morning.
Tires can lose a couple of pounds of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. With a roughly 20-degree difference between recent lows and the start of this freeze, it’s worth checking your tires.
Also, make sure there’s no debris stuck in your tires—what starts as a slow leak can turn into a flat in just 12 hours when temperatures plunge so quickly.
I’m not saying you need to spend hundreds on new batteries or car parts, but if it’s been a while since you checked your battery, starter, alternator, or other ignition components, you could wake up to a dead car.
If you skip antifreeze or run a water-only mix in your radiator, this cold snap could be a problem. Make sure there are no slow coolant leaks that could let freezing air in, or it could ruin your day.
Don’t forget to check your windshield washer fluid too!
Here’s a quick vehicle checklist to keep you safe during the cold snap—go through it at home, at work, or anywhere. Share it with a friend, coworker, or loved one just to be safe:
- Check tires for debris, nails, or leaks
- Top off tire pressure
- Start your car a few times to make sure the electrical system holds a charge
- Make sure heaters are working
- Look for coolant leaks and top off antifreeze
- Check windshield wiper fluid
- Keep jumper cables on hand
- Carry a fix-a-flat or tire plug kit
- Know a quick route to a gas station in case of a flat
- Fill your spare tire and have tools ready for a quick swap
Start your checklist now so you’re prepared!
[MORE: Central Florida braces for coldest air in years]