Preparing your car for Ohio’s winters is essential to ensure safe and smooth driving in cold and potentially snowy conditions. Here's a checklist to help you get your vehicle ready for winter:

Tires:

• Install winter or all-season tires with good tread depth for improved traction.
• Check tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended levels.

Battery:

• Inspect the battery for corrosion and clean the terminals.
• Test the battery's health and replace if necessary.

Antifreeze/Coolant:

• Ensure the coolant is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
• Check for leaks in the cooling system.

Oil and Fluids:

• Use winter-grade oil for cold weather.
• Top off or replace engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Wiper Blades:

• Install winter wiper blades to handle snow and ice.
• Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled with winter-grade fluid.

Heating and Defrosting:

• Test the heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly.

Brakes:

• Inspect the brakes and replace worn brake pads or rotors.
• Ensure the parking brake is functioning.

Lights:

• Check all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights.
• Keep them clean and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Exhaust System:

• Check for leaks in the exhaust system, as snow and ice can cause toxic fumes to accumulate inside the car.

Emergency Kit:

• Pack an emergency kit with items like blankets, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, and a snow shovel.

Traction Aids:

• Carry traction aids like sand, kitty litter, or tire chains in case you get stuck.

Fuel Level:

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze-ups.

Carry Snow Removal Tools:

• Equip your car with a snowbrush, ice scraper, and a small shovel for removing snow and ice from your vehicle.

Check Heater and Defroster:

• Ensure your heater and defroster are working correctly for visibility and comfort.

Test 4WD or AWD Systems:

• If your vehicle has 4-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), make sure these systems are functioning properly.

Check the Spare Tire:

• Verify that your spare tire is in good condition and properly inflated.

Pack Essentials:

• Keep items like a warm blanket, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks in your car in case of an emergency.

Regular Maintenance:

• Stay up to date with routine maintenance, including oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups.

Emergency Contacts:

• Ensure you have emergency contact numbers and a charged external battery in your phone.

Plan and Prepare:

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.
• Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time.
   

By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your vehicle is well-prepared for winter in Ohio, reducing the risk of accidents and breakdowns in challenging conditions.