Is Your Car Ready For Winter Driving in New Mexico?

Check your tire pressure and tread depth—or switch to winter tires altogether.  A drop in temperature can lead to a loss of tire pressure (about one pound per square inch for every 10 degrees cooler). Driving on tires without enough air in them can lead to premature tire wear, failure, and blowouts. Check your tire pressure regularly, but be sure not to overinflate them, either. And if you live in an area of New Mexico that receives a fair amount of snow, consider switching to winter tires for improved traction and grip. Are your treads starting to look worn down? Consult a professional to see if it’s time to replace them.

Change your windshield wipers and washer fluid. Winter weather often means reduced visibility when it rains or snows. One place you don’t want to be is stuck on the highway with underperforming windshield wipers that don’t allow you to see the traffic or road hazards ahead of you. Consider purchasing wiper fluid specifically formulated for cold weather to prevent freezing and improve longevity. You should also carry an ice scraper for particularly cold, icy mornings.

Pay attention to small issues that could become big problems later. If you notice any issues like hard starts, stalling, reduced power, or rough idling, get it checked out now as opposed to later, as winter driving in New Mexico could exacerbate existing problems.

Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working order. This one is about more than just keeping you toasty while driving. If your heater has stopped working, this could be due to a coolant issue, faulty engine thermostat, or malfunctioning water pump, all of which are important to keeping your engine running smoothly. 

Have your car’s battery serviced. Car batteries don’t last forever and should be inspected regularly. While you’ll need the help of a professional to detect a weak battery, you can help maintain your car battery by inspecting it for signs of corrosion, cleaning its surface, and retightening any loose connections.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather, as New Mexico conditions can be difficult to predict. In many parts of the state, winter weather may be quite mild, with relatively low temperatures but mostly dry conditions. However, this is where many visitors and even residents make mistakes: by not being prepared for potentially unexpected conditions like snow, rain, or ice, you may be putting you and your passengers at risk for an accident. Always check weather forecasts before you leave!

Know what to do if you encounter black ice. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance since your ability to stop quickly may be impeded. If you hit a patch of black ice, don’t hit the brakes and overcorrect. Keep the steering wheel straight and allow your vehicle to pass over the ice.

Be aware of the traffic surrounding you. Be especially cautious when driving near semi-trucks, which will require even more time to stop due to their sheer size. In low visibility, keep in mind that as well other vehicles like motorcycles being less visible to you, you may be less visible to others. Use your headlights when appropriate and check your mirrors often.