Hi there, and welcome back to the Denver Mobile Auto Glass blog. Today, we will begin looking at ways to prepare your car for bad weather. While it’s only September here in sunny Colorado, we’ll continue experiencing afternoon thunderstorms, and the possibility of tornadoes, before the rain turns into snow later this year. Therefore, preparing your vehicle with tools and supplies can keep you and your passengers safe in the case of stormy or inclement weather. Please continue reading below to learn more.
Check the Lights & Tires
The last thing you want is to have one working headlight during the middle of a storm, especially at night. And you definitely don’t want to encounter a shredded or flat tire in the middle of a lightning storm. Check that your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazards are all functioning properly. Descent light bulbs are relatively inexpensive, so try to keep spare bulbs in your glove box or supply box. Be sure to check your tires, as worn out or overly-deflated tires will impede on your safety during stormy weather. Additionally, replace worn-out tires or have them rotated to ensure your safety on the road.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades
Having properly functioning wiper blades will keep your windows clear of fluids, mud, and other debris that can obstruct your line of sight during a downpour. If you know that bad weather is in the near future, go ahead and replace your old wiper blades with quality blades; Michelin and Rain-X make cost-efficient wipers that are worth every penny. If you notice streaks across your windshield or can see that your wiper blades are frayed and falling apart, replace them! Replacing your wiper blades every six months is a good rule of thumb.
Check & Refill All Auto Fluids
The last thing you want during a terrible downpour is to run out of wiper fluid, antifreeze, or worst of all, gas. Check the levels of all important fluids and top off any that are running low. Wiper fluid gets used up quickly, so keep an extra bottle handy in your car for backup so that you never have to worry about running out during stormy weather.
Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit
Packing a roadside emergency kit can help ensure that you’re prepared for any roadside emergency. They’re easy to put together: use a sturdy box or storage bin and stock it with work gloves, wiper fluid, oil, antifreeze, WD-40, tire sealant, a flashlight, paper towels, a reflective hazard triangle and vest, a flare gun, and any necessary tools you may need. This will come in handy should you have an auto emergency during a bad storm and need to pull over to fix the issue.
Get a Windshield Replacement
Inspect your windshield for any damages that may impair your vision during a storm or which might become hazardous during a heavy rain or hail storm. If you notice small chips, a windshield repair should be an easy fix; however, if you notice large cracks, or worse, your windshield is severely cracked or shattered, contact Denver Mobile Auto Glass immediately for an expert windshield replacement to help ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Thank you for reading the first part of our short blog series! Be sure to tune in for part two and learn more handy tips for preparing your car for bad weather. Until next time, stay safe out there!