Milwaukee winters are not like other winters. Can you imagine that some places of the world have never seen snow? Meanwhile, we tend to be some of the first to get it here in Milwaukee.

As fun as it is to play in the snow or to enjoy the peaceful morning after a fresh, unbroken layer has been applied to everything, the winter is a lot less kind to our cars than to the view. Not only are the roads more dangerous, but the cold itself can cause problems.

Let's look at some of the ways you can prepare yourself and your car for a proper Milwaukee winter. 

CHECK THE BATTERY

Cold puts extra stress on your battery, especially if you tend to park outdoors. If you don't want to risk hearing that heart-sinking click sound when you put the keys in the ignition on a Monday morning, we strongly recommend you get your battery load-tested, or replaced if it has been struggling more and more recently. 

CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURES

Tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature. Driving around in underinflated tires is already a bad idea in regular weather, but it's even worse in the winter, when you need properly inflated tires to grip through the snow. Check these weekly in the winter. 

CHECK THE ANTIFREEZE

As most people know, water has a freezing point, and if it is snowing out that point has been reached. Antifreeze prevents water from freezing by lowering that point. In Milwaukee, where snow is essentially an all-winter thing, it is crucial that car owners make sure their antifreeze is up for the season by flushing and refilling the cooling system. 

BRING A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT

If something does happen while you are out on the road, you'll want to have some sort of survival kit with you to ensure you don't freeze while performing maintenance or waiting for help. A space blanket, plumber's candle and lighter, empty metal soup can, and plastic bag for gathering water can all be a big help if your stranded.  
 
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