Relax When the Wind Blows in AZ: Winter Car Prep for Tucson Drivers

When autumn comes around in Tucson, leaves fall, nights get longer and there’s a definite nip in the air. Time to unpack the boots and gloves and fold some extra blankets onto the beds. It’s also time for Tucson drivers to winterize their vehicles.

Here is some expert auto advice for Tucson drivers on what vehicles need to keep everyone safe and rolling throughout the AZ winter months.

3. Test your battery. A battery’s cranking power drops in the cold, so if your battery is already weak, the onset of winter will do it in. The last thing you want is to be on a snowy AZ road in the dark and cold with a dead battery.

4. Pack emergency supplies. Toss a blanket into the trunk. If you do find yourself stranded, your first concern will be to stay warm. If you’re traveling away from AZ population centers, then pack some emergency food and water as well. Also, it’s a good idea to top off your tank in winter. That way, if you get stuck, you’ll have some fuel to burn to stay warm, and it’ll keep your gas lines from freezing up.

5. Check your wiper blades. They may be able to handle a light Tucson summer rain shower, but they might not be up to the ice and snow that collect on a windshield in winter. If you experience particularly harsh winters or really wet ones, you can purchase special blades that resist freezing. And don’t forget to top off your wiper fluid.

6. Check your tires. Tires lose pressure over time, but they lose pressure fast when it’s cold outside in Tucson. Tires lose about one pound of pressure every six to eight weeks; they also lose one pound of pressure for every 10°F/5.6°C drop in temperature. If the last time you checked your tires it was 80°F/26.7°C outside and it’s 40°F/4.4°C now, your tires could be down five pounds in pressure — and that’s serious. It’s a safety issue and cuts down on your fuel economy.

So there you have it: a quick checklist to winterize your car in AZ. When it comes to car care, preventive maintenance is always the best practice for Tucson drivers, especially when it comes to winter weather. None of us want to be caught out in the winter cold.