Is Your Car Ready For Winter Driving?

Driving in winter weather will come sooner than you may think.

And while Utah is beautiful when it snows, that means unpredictable driving conditions.

Craig Swapp from Craig Swapp & Associates joined Midday with tips to get your car ready.

Make sure you can see.  It sounds simple, but if you can't see out your windshield, you're probably going to wreck.  So, change your wiper blades, and use winter windshield wiper fluid, which won't freeze.

Give your vehicle the traction it needs.  While there's nothing better than chains or snow tires for icy roads, having the correct tire pressure goes a long way in giving your vehicle the traction it needs.  Check your owner's manual to find out what your vehicle's target pressure should be.

Double check your belts and hoses.  Even if you are driving a newer car, cold weather can put strains on belts and hoses.  A quick check can save you money, and prevent a belt from snapping during cold weather.

Make sure your battery is going to function in cold temperatures.  Take a look under the hood to check the manufacture date on your battery.  If it's been 3-4 years since it was manufactured, it's probably time to change it.  Also check for cracks or breaks in the battery cables.

Be prepared for the worst.  If your car breaks down, or you get in an accident make sure to have these supplies in your car: blanket, extra water and food, ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables, flares, toolkit, first aid kit, and a bag of sand, salt or other abrasive materials to provide traction if you get stuck.

Make sure you have enough insurance.  Now is a great time to review your policy.  Craig Swapp recommends no less than $100,00 per person/$300,000 per accident (commonly known as 100/300 coverage) limits.