Even if the holiday rush is over, driving in winter can still be risky. In this post by Advanced Filtration Technologies in Alexander, we’ll cover the essentials of how to stay safe on the road and avoid any accidents. 

Make Sure Your Car Is in Good Condition

While making sure your car is in good condition is essential year-round, it’s especially important during the winter months, as being stranded on a cold winter day can quickly become a dangerous situation. Make sure your maintenance routine considers these five things:

• Check oil and other fluids: Your car needs fluids like engine oil, transmission, brake and windshield fluids, and coolant to work correctly. These fluids should always be clean and topped off to the proper levels. If you haven’t changed your engine oil in a while, do so as soon as possible.
• Change your engine air filter: Your air filter’s job is to ensure debris doesn’t enter your engine. If this filter is dirty, it can prevent air from entering the engine, which causes strain.
• Assess your battery’s condition: It’s good to assess your car's battery from time to time and ensure it doesn’t have any bulges, leaks, or corrosion around its terminals. It’s also a good idea to check if it’s holding enough charge, especially if it’s an older battery.
• Check your tires: Your tires are meant to grip the road and keep you safe. If the treads are worn, it’s possible they’ll have a harder time gripping the road, especially if it's wet or snowy. Check the tread depth and ensure they’re at the correct air pressure.
• Test your lights and horn: Lastly, make sure your lights and horn are working properly before hitting the road.

Weather conditions can make driving in winter challenging. The best way to prevent accidents and harm is to ensure your vehicle is in good condition. For advice on the best products for your engine, call  Advanced Filtration Technologies at (701) 770-2275, and one of their experts will help you pick the best ones. For more information and to place your order, visit AMSOIL’s online shop anytime!

Remember to Buckle Up!

Making sure you’re buckling up correctly should be a priority year-round, but it becomes much more important when driving in dangerous weather conditions. Make sure everyone is buckled up correctly before heading to your destination, as this could keep everyone safe in case of an accident. For younger family members, it’s essential to use the correct instrument to ensure their safety when driving in winter. For example, babies should always ride in a car seat, and older children should use booster seats. These can help reduce the risk of injuries or death. If you’re unsure what safety precautions you should use with your child, your local Department of Transportation can give you a list of their child safety requirements to stay up to date on the best ways to keep them safe.

Check the Forecast Before Hitting the Road

Another great way to avoid being caught in the middle of a bad weather situation is by checking the forecast before leaving. While weather can sometimes be unpredictable, being aware of weather conditions can help you make decisions like postponing or delaying your trip until things settle down a bit. Doing so will prevent less-than-ideal situations.

Not sure what products would work best for your engine? AMSOIL has excellent options, like their Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Call Advanced Filtration Technologies at (701) 770-2275, and one of their oil pros will help you in no time. Once you’re ready, place your order at AMSOIL’s online shop.

Pay Extra Attention While Driving

Paying extra attention to the road when driving in winter is a great way to stay safe. Things like texting and driving can distract you from a sudden change in road conditions and could put you in serious harm’s way. Lastly, impaired driving can be a big problem during winter and can cause serious accidents. Remember that it’s always best to call a friend or a taxi to drive you home if you’ve been drinking or consuming other substances. Getting behind the wheel while impaired can not only cause you legal issues but can also put your life and the lives of others seriously at risk.

Stay safe this winter by caring for your vehicle and using only the best products for your engine’s maintenance. Call Advanced Filtration Technologies at (701) 770-2275 today and let one of their oil pros guide you through their products, or place your order in AMSOIL’s online shop anytime!