Winter Driving Tips

The season of snowy beauty is upon us in Pittsburgh, but winter can quickly lose its magic if you’re unprepared for the challenging driving conditions. Our dealership cares about your winter driving safety, so we put together a quick guide to prepping your vehicle for the snow and ice, as well as some winter driving tips for the Pittsburgh roads. Read ahead to learn more, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

A well-maintained vehicle is one of the most important aspects of winter driving safety in Brentwood. Refer to this maintenance checklist to ensure your car is up-to-date and will deliver reliable performance all season long:

• Check the battery (replace if necessary) 
• Upgrade to winter tires 
• Check/adjust tire pressure 
• Inspect the brake system 
• Check/adjust coolant levels 
• Change the oil (if necessary) 
• Check the heating system 
• Use a cold-weather-ready windshield wiper fluid 
• Replace the windshield wipers
• Check exterior lights (replace bulbs if necessary)

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Keep the Gas Tank Filled

Stopping for gas can be a chore, especially when it’s cold outside. However, it’s smart to keep your tank full or almost full at all times, so you don’t risk running out of gas in frigid temperatures. If your vehicle is electric, ensure it remains adequately charged every day, and remember you may experience slower charging times in cold weather.

Plan Your Routes

Study the directions to every new destination before you leave your house, even if you plan to rely on a navigation system during your drive. Additionally, always check the weather forecast before getting on the road, so you know if inclement conditions are expected.

Make a Winter Car Kit

Even if you don’t often stray far from your home in Bethel Park, you should keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. If you experience any car troubles, you’ll have what you need until help arrives. Your winter car kit should include the following items: 

• Tools like a snow shovel and an ice scraper with a brush 
• Sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck 
• Jumper cables, a flashlight, flares, and emergency markers
• Warm blankets 
• Cell phone and charger
• Water, food, and any necessary medicine 

Schedule Winter Maintenance at Ron Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Pleasant Hills

Keep these winter driving tips in mind so the difficult weather conditions don’t prevent you from enjoying the season! Explore our service specials and book an appointment if your vehicle needs an inspection or maintenance. If you’re looking for winter tires, you can find them in our parts department.