How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Utah Winters

Are you wondering how to prepare your vehicle for winter? The main points are easy enough to carry out:

• Pack a Winter Supply Box
• Switch to Winter-Grade Oil and Wiper Fluid
• Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze
• Check the Tire Pressure and Tread Depth
• Have the Battery Tested
• Check the Headlights and Brake Lights

Buying a new vehicle with all-wheel drive can help conquer even the snowiest roads, but you should still be prepared.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Pack a Winter Supply Box

Follow the Boy Scout motto by keeping these items in your car:

• Flashlight
• Road Flares
• First-Aid Kit
• Extra Gloves
• Warm Clothes
• A Radio
• A Charged Cell Phone
• A Bag of Sand/Cat Litter or Carpet Sections for Traction
• Extra Ice Scraper
• High-Energy Snacks (Such as cereal bars and jerky)

Switch to Winter-Grade Oil and Wiper Fluid

The colder the weather, the thinner you need your oil. With winter coming, consider switching to oil with a lower cold-weather viscosity grade. Consider switching to winter wiper fluid to prevent freezing. Also, it’s a good idea to schedule service at Mike Hale Acura for an oil change.

Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze

Antifreeze keeps your engine from freezing when temperatures drop. Check the level yourself, or have it checked at a service center. Coolant and antifreeze should be available at every auto supply store.

Check the Tire Pressure and Tread Depth

Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with the top of Lincoln’s head pointing inward. If you can still see his head, you should replace your tires. Even if you can’t, make sure you check the tire pressure, as changing temperatures can affect it.

Have the Battery Tested

Your battery’s capacity decreases significantly in colder weather, so checking it right before winter makes sense. You’ll also want to park in a garage instead of in the freezing cold to protect your battery.

Check the Headlights and Brake Lights

Headlights and brake lights need to deal with thick winter fog or snow. Check for any cracks or discoloration.

How Cold Does It Get in Utah in the Winter?

If you’re new to the area, you may be wondering: how cold does it get in Utah in the winter? Utah gets its fair share of freezing temperatures in the winter, with December and January being the coldest months. December has an average high of 28 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 12 degrees Fahrenheit. January can get even colder, with an average high of 27 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of seven degrees Fahrenheit.

Utah also gets plenty of snow in the winter, with an average snowfall of 264 inches yearly. That said, it’s crucial to drive a vehicle that can perform in these conditions.

Best Vehicles for Winter Driving

So, what are the best vehicles for winter driving in Utah? You can’t go wrong with an Acura SUV.

• MDX: This three-row premium SUV is as capable as good-looking, making it an excellent choice for families in Salt Lake City.
• RDX: Offering seating for five passengers, the RDX is a sporty crossover known for its confidence-inspiring performance.

Both of these vehicles offer Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) to provide maximum traction and control on snowy and icy South Jordan roads. Check out our model research guides for more information.

Getting Your Car Winter-Safe is Extremely Important

Winter weather is inevitable in Utah, but you can make sure your car is prepared. Need any further advice or assistance? From parts to service, our team is here to help, so feel free to contact us today.