Why You Should Keep Kitty Litter in Your Trunk This Winter

Tuesday's snowstorm was a wake-up call that winter has arrived in Berkshire County. Before the next storm hits, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle whatever the Berkshires throws at it.

Check Your Tires

Cold weather reduces tire pressure. Check that all four tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. My tire light comes on any morning - at least two of the tires. A quick test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires.

Test Your Battery

Freezing temperatures are brutal on car batteries. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested at an auto parts store. Most will do it for free. A dead battery in sub-zero weather isn't just inconvenient, it's dangerous.

Refill Windshield Washer Fluid

Road salt and slush will coat your windshield constantly. Use winter-rated washer fluid that won't freeze, and keep your reservoir topped off. They make stuff now that doesn't freeze until it hits 90 below zero HA. Also, replace worn wiper blades that leave streaks.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Keep these essentials in your trunk: blanket, flashlight, phone charger, jumper cables, small shovel, snacks, and water.

The Kitty Litter Trick

My favorite! Here's one many people don't know: pack a small bag of non-clumping kitty litter in your trunk. If you get stuck on ice or packed snow, pour litter under your drive wheels for instant traction. It works better than salt and costs less than commercial traction aids. The extra weight in your trunk also helps with traction on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. -ampmautomotiverepair.com

Winter driving in the Berkshires requires preparation. Spend 30 minutes now checking these items, and you'll avoid headaches, or worse, when temperatures drop below zero this weekend!