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While auto maintenance is important year-round, this is especially vital as we enter the much colder weather ahead. Mechanical failures during the winter are more than just a pain: it could leave you stranded in freezing temperatures. Whether you just need to prepare a personal vehicle or you’re also looking out for commercial vehicles and farm equipment, we’ve compiled some winter car safety tips below to keep your machinery running smoothly throughout the winter months.

Tip 1: Inspect, Clean and Store

If you have cars or farm and ranch equipment that you don’t plan to use until the spring, storing these items is your best bet. Storing items indoors or with appropriate covers can help protect the mechanics from damage as rain, snow and ice blow through Oklahoma. This is also a good time to inspect and clean your car or equipment to make sure everything is running properly. It also lets you get ahead of potential mechanical issues or repairs that could pop up once you’re ready to use these vehicles in the spring!

Tip 2: Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly

Make sure you’re renewing or replacing your engine parts on a regular schedule. This includes your engine oil, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and more. The last thing you want is an engine failure when you’re out on the road in the winter! The exact frequency of oil changes and other replacement needs will depend on the age, model and fuel efficiency of your car or equipment, but you can always check your owner’s manual or contact a mechanic to get your car on track.

Tip 3: Check Windshield Wipers and Tires Often

The winter months don’t just bring colder temperatures, they also bring a lot of visibility barriers to the roads! Your windshield wipers will be key to making sure you’re able to see clearly and drive safely through winter rain and snow. Drivers should also keep a close eye on their tires during the colder months, as lower temperatures can impact your tire pressure. Filling up your tires and checking your wiper blades could be the difference between making it home or ending up with a flat on the side of the road.

Tip 4: Plan Ahead for Bad Weather

During the winter, it’s always a good idea to check the weather and road conditions before you head out the door for the day. Plan your route to avoid road hazards or stay home if the weather is turning treacherous. Beyond planning for the day, you should also add some winter-specific items to an emergency kit in your car. Gloves, boots, ice scrapers and blankets are a great addition to snacks, water, first-aid kit and a flashlight. These items will all come in handy if your car does experience mechanical failure this winter.

Tip 5: Make Sure You Have Roadside Rescue

Did you know that OKFB Insurance offers Roadside Rescue to all current policyholders? This service runs 24/7, meaning roadside assistance is just a call away to help with the stress, expense and inconveniences of a breakdown. Services include flat tire assistance, towing, battery jumpstarts and more. If you’re already a policyholder, save the Roadside Rescue phone number in your cell phone for quick access during an emergency: you can reach the rescue hotline at 833-957-OKFB (6532).

We’re Here to Help

Make sure to keep these winter car safety tips with you as the temperatures start to drop! Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

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