Your safety is important to Tom Masek, the City of Darien Mechanic, and the Municipal Services Department, so please prepare for winter driving with these tips:
- Make sure your car has been recently serviced for an oil change and fluid level inspection.
- Have your battery tested to be sure it can hold a charge. And while you’re at the service garage, have them remove any battery corrosion.
- Have a professional check your antifreeze. If needed, have your antifreeze replaced.
- Replace your wiper blades and keep a spare pair in your car. When windshield wipers wear down, they can cause water smears on the windshield and become more dangerous for winter drives. To prevent wear, use an ice scraper to clear ice from your windshield rather than your wipers.
- It’s also important to ensure your wiper fluid is freeze resistant and that you keep extra wiper fluid in your vehicle.
- Check your tire pressure. Many cars alert the owner when air is needed due to weather fluctuations, but it never hurts to keep a gauge handy. Your owner’s manual will recommend appropriate tire pressure for various driving conditions. Remember, cold weather can cause tires to deflate.
- Pack an emergency kit for each car in your household. We recommend having things like blankets, a flashlight and warning triangles on hand.
- Check your heating system and your brakes.
Contact your mechanic if you are having issues with any of these items. If you have any questions regarding our helpful hints, please email the
City Mechanic. Find more helpful tips on winterizing your vehicle in the most recent
Darien Connections!