Winter Checklist

Your Auto  

Colder weather creates its own requirements for car maintenance. These basic maintenance tips increase safety and decrease chances of a breakdown on a cold, winter road: 

• Charge it: Charge or replace battery as necessary.  

• Coolant: Replace and replenish antifreeze in the cooling systems. As a general rule, this should be done every two years.  

• Make sure heaters, wipers, and defrosters work effectively. Consider using winter wiper blades and cold weather washer fluid.  

• Kick the tires: Do you have enough tread? Are they properly inflated? Consider winter tires that provide more grip on icy roads.  

• Changing the oil: Changing the oil in accordance with your car’s maintenance schedule is one of the simplest ways to maintain and prolong the life of your vehicle.  

• Getting in tune: If your car is due for a tune up, get it done! Simple fixes like pings, hard starts, and sluggish performance can often become magnified problems during the winter months.  

• Get your brakes checked.  

Your Home  

It’s cold outside so you’re most likely keeping it warm inside! Here are a few things to add to your seasonal home checklist:  

Heat  

• Open vents near the floor and close those near the ceiling for better air circulation.  

• Test your furnace and replace the filters.  

• Check the furnace: Let a professional give your heating system a checkup.  

• Use solid fuel safely: Make sure stoves are UL approved and fireplaces are cleaned and maintained.  

Attic Ventilation  

• Ensure attic insulation doesn’t cover ventilation vents in the eaves (also called soffits or overhangs). This helps prevent winter ice dams.  

• Make sure vents, eaves, and troughs are free of plants and debris.  

Snow Preparation  

• Shovel-ready: Make sure you have a working snow blower, shovels, and sidewalk salt on hand.  

Keep it Clean  

• Vacuum under and behind freezer and fridge. This can greatly improve efficiency of unit.  

• Chimney cleaned and checked: Increases ventilation and reduces fire hazard.  

• Trim low-hanging branches. Collected snow and ice could break branches and do damage to your roof, home, or pedestrians. Windows & Doors  

• Storm windows: If you have older, removable wooden storm windows, make arrangements to have them re-installed.  

• Replace or repair any broken window locks or latches.  

• Caulk around frames.  

• Repair any cracked or broken window panes.  

Exterior  

• Keep gutters clean at all times.  

• Roof: If there are any signs of a leak or damaged shingles or flashing, have the roof checked. Make sure all culverts and exterior drains are free of debris. □ 

• Drain and coil all those garden hoses.