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Get Your Car Prepped for Winter

As you prepare for the colder months ahead, it’s important to keep your car winter-ready. From switching out your tires to adjusting fluids to checking the tires, preparing for winter can take some time—start soon so you can be ready for any early snowstorms. And if you currently don’t have a carport or garage to protect your car from the elements, now may be the time to do it.

Prep your garage

If you live in a place that gets plenty of snow or rain throughout the winter, having a dry garage is vital for keeping your car in great shape. Before the weather turns, spend some time preparing your garage.

One way to get your garage ready is by replacing the floor. An epoxy is a great option for floor coating; not only does it repair existing damage, but it can also prevent future deterioration. It’s also a great way to protect your garage floor from the salt used to de-ice roads in the winter.

While it’s possible to do it yourself, there are a fair number of potential issues that would be costly to repair. Improper cleaning prep could leave grease or oil on the floor, and if you make a mistake on the coating, moisture can become cracked which can cause bubbling.

Unless you’re fully confident with using epoxy, hire a professional to help you replace the floor. On average, it ranges from $1,870 to $2,700 to install epoxy flooring. However, it varies depending on where you live, so do some research to find affordable contractors in your area.

No Garage?

After years of dealing with scraping and defrosting your car, you may be ready to have a garage installed on your property. It’s true, this is a hefty project both in price and logistics. However, a garage will not only protect your vehicle, but it can also add value to your home. Before diving in, get a feel for what you’ll need to do prep-wise.

For example, you may need to have a property survey to ensure you’re not encroaching on someone else’s property. Or, you may need to have the area where you plan to build graded to ensure it’s level. This entails a totally different contractor from the one who will build your garage, so start by looking for a “grading contractor near me” to find the right professional. In the meantime, start talking to a builder who has experience building garages. They will be able to help you determine whether you can attach the garage or if it needs to stay detached.

And whether you currently have a garage or plan to have one built, security is of the utmost importance. To help defend your garage and keep out intruders, invest in the Garage Shield. Easy to install, the Garage Shield makes it impossible for criminals to use the popular six-second break-in method to enter your garage.

Winter prep for your car

Driving in the winter can be risky, which is why it’s a good idea to prepare your car for the winter months. From switching out your tires to carrying emergency supplies and keeping them clean, getting your car ready could help safeguard you and your family against risky winter travel.

Changing your tires makes a bigger difference to your car than you may realize: if your tires aren’t able to hold traction on icy roads, other features of your vehicle could be compromised. Not only will winter tires make it easier to slow down and stop on ice or snow, but they’ll also help maintain other safety features of your car, such as all-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes.

Be sure to keep an emergency supply kit in your car in case you get stuck or stranded in winter weather. You should always carry a basic personal survival kit including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Include winter travel items such as tire chains, an ice scraper, jumper cables, and road flares. Be sure to also invest in a phone mount to ensure any communication via phone is hands-free.

Visit the shop

While many people avoid a trip to the mechanic at all costs, it’s actually a great idea to have your car tuned up before winter comes. Preventative care for your vehicle will help it operate more smoothly through the winter months, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns on the road. Be sure to have your oil changed, your tires rotated, and ensure that the heater and defroster are in good working order.

Getting ready for winter travel is important if you live in a wet or snowy place. It can be downright dangerous if your vehicle breaks down in the snow if you’re not prepared, so keep an emergency kit with you in the trunk of your car. Get your car checked out by a mechanic, and consider revamping your garage so it can better withstand the winter months and extra wear and tear.