I know that we’re still in the midst of fall. But now is the perfect time to thinking about winter. Especially because Michigan can have it pretty rough sometimes.
Whether you are new to the Mitten state, or this isn’t your first rodeo when it comes to driving in the winter, there were a few things you’ll want to double-check.
Michigan Winter Car Maintenance
It’s important to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw your way this winter. Here’s a look at 11 things Michiganders should be doing for their cars before the snow starts to stick to the ground.
11. Check the Battery
Those frigidly cold Michigan winters can really sap your battery of its life. Lots of places will check your battery for free.
Read Related: How to Prepare for Winter in Michigan—13 Essential Gear Tips
10. Pack an Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
Don’t be the person who drives around with a tiny, little patch of ice and snow removed from the windshield because you didn’t have your scraper, that’s dangerous for everyone.
9. Check Your Wiper Fluid and Blades
All that salt and snow is going to get kicked up onto your windshield and you’re going to use a lot more fluid than usual. Plus, make sure the wipers aren’t cracked or split and can handle Michigan snow.
8. Consider Snow Tires
While all-season tires will do the trick, snow tires will give you that extra grip for ice and snow.
7. Check Fluid Levels
There’s a lot of fluids that make your car go, for a very, very lay explanation. Things like coolant, oil, and more make sure that your car runs. Be sure to have your oil changed and your fluids topped off.
6. Test the Defroster and Heater
This may seem like a duh type of suggestion. But, that first time we have a harsh frost or ice overnight, you’re really going to need that defrost feature. Make sure it works before you need it.
5. Keep Some Kitty Litter or Sand in the Vehicle
If you happen to get stuck in ice or snow, some kitty litter or sand will help you get the traction you need to get unstuck.
4. Make Sure There’s a Blanket or Warm Clothing
Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
You never know when you might get caught in a snow storm, something to keep you warm will be necessary.
3. Stock Up on Water and Non-perishable Snacks
Again, being prepared will never hurt. In the case that you need to be stuck in your car for a long time, having food and water will be incredibly important.
2. Jumper Cables and Emergency Kit are Packed
In case your car loses power and needs a jump, these items will come in handy.
1. A Full Tank of Gas
Photos via Canva
This might sound like a simple thing, but sometimes it can makes all difference. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere when it’s snowing out.
15 Reasons Why Spring Is Genuinely Michigan’s Worst Season
What’s great about Michigan is that it actually gets to experience all four seasons in the year. But just because we have all four seasons doesn’t mean that we have to like them all. Case and point; Spring is the absolute worst season in Michigan. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some redeeming factors like the fact that plant life starts to bloom again and that we finally start to see warmer weather after a frigid winter. But that doesn’t change the fact that spring is the worst season in Michigan, and we have the receipts to prove it. Take a look at the list below for 15 reasons why spring is just the worst.
Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews
10 Spring Cleaning Chores Only Midwesterners Have To Do
Midwest winters sure give us a lot of extra things to do when the weather warms up. Here are some things you won’t want to forget in your spring cleaning endeavors.
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
