Preparing For Winter

Many times after the first snow of the season, drivers wish they would have taken the time to prepare their cars for the winter. Instead of waiting until the first snow fall, Central Collision Center encourages you to be proactive this winter. Our managers shared their best practices for preparing and maintaining cars during the winter weather. Here is our managers' advice:

Before winter:

1. Create a winter emergency kit to keep in your car. Include the following:
• Jumper cables
• Blanket
• Extra clothes, gloves, hats and scarves
• Snow scraper
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight
• Bottled water
• Snacks, such as granola bars
2. Do a car check-up. Here's what you should check:
• Air pressure and wear of tires
• Radiator coolant level
• Washer fluid level
3. Wax headlights and taillights
4. Program local safety numbers in your cell phone 

During winter:

1. Use a snow scraper, not windshield wipers, to clear away snow on your windshield
2. DO NOT use hot water to melt ice on windows. The hot water will cause the windows to shatter
3. Use a spray bottle to spray a 3 parts vinegar 1 part water mixture on your windows to prevent ice. The acetic acid in the vinegar prevents the water from freezing
4. Leave more distance between you and other vehicles
5. Charge your cell phone before you begin to drive in bad weather

Before the snow hits, please take the time to follow through on these tips. We hope this information can help keep you safe this winter. If you have any questions on how to better prepare your car for winter, please feel free to call any of our six locations.