With most of the East Coast of the United States being bombarded by snow and ice recently, now is a good time to consider the ways you can protect your vehicle, and yourself, from harsh winter weather. 

Extreme temperatures can severely affect your car's performance and driveability, and driving in snowy and icy conditions can be dangerous. If you live in a cold weather climate, there are several steps you can take to winterzie your car. 

Even if winter weather in your region is typically mild, one thing we have learned this winter thanks to recent storms is that freezing temperatures can hit almost any part of the country, so it is probably better to be overly cautious and take the preventative steps now so you don't have to worry about repairs later. 

1. Consider your engine oil

The oil in your engine can change depending on how hot or cold the engine may be running. Outside temperatures will influence the internal temperature of your engine, so you need to make sure you are using the proper oil for the conditions, especially if you live in a region with extreme temperatures. 

During the winter months, if you live where temperatures get below freezing, you'll want to switch over to thinner (less viscous) oil. If you run a 10W-30 in the summer, for example, try moving to a 5W-30 when changing your oil in the fall or winter. If the oil is too thick, it will flow too slowly between parts and your engine will get too hot. In the winter time, cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, but you can overcome this problem by filling your engine with an oil of a lower viscosity. 

2. Check the battery

Most vehicle batteries last for about three to five years, and most batteries have the manufacture date printed on the side. Winter months are tough on your engine and cause it to work harder, and this puts more pressure on the battery. A thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid will help you make sure your car is ready for the winter. If you need to buy a new one, make sure it has a recent manufacture date. A car battery ages, even while it sits unused on a shelf. 

Even if your battery isn't that old, it's still a good idea to take a look and make sure nothing's wrong. Check the battery cables and clamps for fraying or corrosion. If there's a white, powdery substance around the clamps, that's corrosion from battery acid. You can buy cleaning products made just for this issue, but baking soda, a toothbrush, and water will work too. Your battery is also filled with fluid, so make sure it has enough inside. Most batteries have caps on top, and you can check the level by removing the caps. If it's low, fill the holes with distilled water, but be careful not to fill past the bottom of the cap.

3. Care for your windshield

An often overlooked part of the  winterizing process is your vehicle windshield. If you have ever driven behind another vehicle kicking up dirty road snow, then you already have a true appreciation for good wipers and windshield washer fluid. Low visibility can make driving in cold, snowy weather dangerous, so it is important to make sure the wiper blades are in good shape.

Your wiper blades are made out of rubber, and with time and usage they can crack, split, rip, and deteriorate. A good rule of thumb is to replace your windshield wipers every six to 12 months. This especially important during the winter because extreme cold can cause damage to the rubber, giving your wipers a shorter lifespan. 

To clean the road grime from your windshield, you need to make sure your wiper fluid is full. For best results, select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. But beware, as some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car's paint. Read the labels carefully and make sure to get a fluid that won't damage your paint. 

Also, check out our Sheepskin Scrapermitts, which are made from 100% Merino Sheepskin to provide long-lasting durability. Each mitt is designed to provide ultimate warmth and luxurious comfort while protecting your hand from the cold.

4. Tire pressure is important

When it comes to driving in nasty winter weather, your tires are literally what keep your vehicle on the road. Driving in snowy and icy conditions is dangerous, but if you have to brave the elements, you can at least take a couple of steps to prepare. 

If you choose to use regular tires on your car, check the air pressure on every tire, including your spare. Under-inflated tires close up the tread and significantly decrease traction, increasing the likelihood of sliding on icy patches. Many gas stations have the tools available for you to check tire pressure, and it costs nothing or next to nothing to fill your tires with the right amount of air. Your owner's manual will list the appropriate pounds for square inch for your tires, and most tires have the PSI requirements listed on the sidewall. 

If you live in a region that is particularly hard hit by winter weather, then snow tires might be worth the investment. Snow tires give your vehicle a huge advantage over regular tires because the tread is designed and manufactured to perform in wet and icy conditions. Other options are all-weather tires, which feature some of the benefits of snow tires but can also be used year-round. Just remember, if you are going to change your tires, make sure you have the same type of tire on all four rims, as mixing and matching can potentially damage your vehicle. 

5. GG Bailey custom floors mats are great for winter

The custom designed floor mats from our Design Your Car Mats™ section, as well as the luxury car floor mat patterns in our Car Couture™ line, obviously add style and a personalized touch to your vehicle, but the most basic function of a car floor mat is to protect your vehicle's interior. Our mats are made of top quality material and resistant to stains, so they help hide dirt and absorb moisture so your car always looks good even in severe winter weather. 

Our personalized floor mats are also safe, because we make sure they don't move under foot, even when you track in rain, snow, or ice. We ensure that our mats stay put using three different methods:

1. Fit -- Our car floor mats are custom made to fit your make and model perfectly. This means your custom floor mats will fit the shape of your vehicle floorpan perfectly.
2. Backing -- Our specially designed Open Cell Foam™ backing adds an anti-slip backing that prevents the mat from moving, regardless of weather conditions, and it works without poking holes in your vehicle carpet like some mats.
3. Clips -- Our one-of-a-kind Mat-Loc™ Clips allow you to lock your custom floor mats into place and ensure they won't move underfoot. 

You can read more about our Design Your Car Mats™ and Car Couture™ options by clicking those links, click here to learn more about why our custom car floor mats are great for winter, or comment below to share your own car winterizing tips.