TIME FOR A TUNE-UP: PREPPING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER IN ARKANSAS

When you still need your air conditioner in December, it may seem laughable to think about preparing for winter weather. It’s true that Arkansas winters are typically mild, with fewer cold or snowy days than our Northern neighbors. But the unpredictability of Arkansas temperatures means that extreme weather tends to take us by surprise. Sudden snow or ice has been known to leave Arkansas drivers stranded on highways and interstates for hours, even overnight.
If you want to be ready for anything that December, January, or February may send your way this season, start with preparing your car. Think of it as a seasonal tune-up!

Make these 4 Easy Winter Updates Today:
1. Check your tires. Asses both air pressure and tread depth. Most people don’t need snow tires if they live in the southern states, but good tires are key to staying safe on the road when winter storms do blow through. You can check your tire pressure with a simple, inexpensive gauge. Your car manual will tell you the optimum pressure (called PSI, or pounds per square inch) for your particular vehicle. Most gas stations offer free air fill-up stations. To check your tire treads, use the “Lincoln test.” It’s easy: insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head pointing down, toward the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, that means it’s time to replace your tires. Tread is important; it allows your car to “grip” the road, particularly in rainy or snowy conditions.
2. Upgrade your car emergency kit. To be ready for anything when cooler temps hit, add a pair of gloves, blanket, flashlight (with fresh batteries), snack bars, jumper cables, first aid kit, and an ice scraper for your frosty windows. Pro tip: buy a scraper that includes a built-in mitten on the handle to keep your fingers from freezing
3. Replace your windshield wiper blades. Experts say you should replace your wiper blades once a year, so why not do it now? Consider replacing your usual wiper fluid, which freezes quickly upon contact with cold windshields in the winter, with one made specifically for winter weather. It can even help loosen ice and snow from your windshield.
4. Get an oil change. Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a mechanic, let the changing weather be your reminder to do routine maintenance. You may need a different type of oil entirely for the winter months. In general, the colder the weather, the thinner the oil in your engine should be.

Help for Winter Car Accident Injuries
Each year, people are injured in accidents where snow, ice, or other weather conditions played a role. If you were the victim in a car wreck, you may have legal rights to compensation and should speak with a personal injury lawyer about your potential case. The attorneys at Taylor King Law are ready to help. Call 870.246.0505 today for a no-obligation, free consultation. We’ll be on your side, by your side, even when the weather isn’t.