5 Ways to Get Your Toyota Ready for Winter

Like other inevitabilites such as death and taxes, winter looms, and with it comes potential problems for the unprepared. However, your car doesn't have to fall victim this year. By prepping your car for winter well ahead of the inclement weather, you can avoid the headaches of an unreliable vehicle. Here's a few ways to prep your car for the harsh Washington, D.C., weather.

Do a Routine Maintenance Check

If you're taking a car in for an oil change or a tire rotation, have the mechanic make sure all of your car's systems are running efficiently and properly. This includes a check of the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, and defroster. All of these are integral to ensuring your comfort and safety during the winter, and many places do it for little or no cost to you.

Get New Tires

Another problem that arises during winter is traction in snowy or icy conditions. That's why it's important to make sure your tires are up to the challenge. If you have an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle, this is less of a concern, but it's still important to check. The best way to do this is the penny test. Turn a penny upside down so Lincoln's head is facing you. If his head disappears when you put the penny in your tire treads, you're probably all right. However, if you see his whole head, your tires are bald and it's time for a replacement.

Pack an Emergency Kit

In many places during the winter, road conditions get bad enough that the Department of Transportation opts to close roads. Often it's late on this judgement call, causing motorists to become stranded on the interstate. In case of the worst scenario, it's a necessity to have an emergency kit. In this kit include batteries, a flashlight, nonperishable food, bottled water, extra clothes, and a blanket. With these items, you'll enable yourself to stave off a long night when stranded.

Plan Ahead

Whether you're headed to work or taking a 500-mile road trip for the holidays, you need to plan ahead. Listening to weather reports is a surefire way to avoid massive storms. If this is the case, check a map or GPS to find alternate routes to and from your destination. Although it may take a little longer, it's certainly better than hitting a storm or having to stay a night somewhere out of your way.

Keep Your Fuel Tank Filled

The reason to keep your tank filled is twofold. First of all, in an emergency, you don't want to run out of gas. If you do, you may not have heat to keep yourself warm. Secondly, a low gas level allows condensation to form inside the gas tank. If this water leaks into your fuel line, it can freeze and cause the line to burst. When in doubt, it's best to top it off. Winter driving doesn't have to become a fiasco. With some planning during the fall, you'll find that it's as easy as ever to navigate the roads, even when conditions are far from stellar.   image via Toyota