DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Before temperatures drop too low, mechanics say now is the time to make sure your car is winter-ready. A few simple steps can save you an expensive auto bill.  

"You want your car in tip-top shape," said Lindsey Krher, mechanic at South Sore Auto Services. 
 
Kreher said washeer fluid is a big step; change your fluid to winter fluid because it has antifreeze included. Batteries have 12 volts, unless it is a dead battery. The colder it gets, the less likely your battery is to start. Kreher encourages people to check the value of their cold cranking amps.  
 
"Usually, somewhere around 650-750, you want to make sure it's as close in that range as possible. Basically, if you get one that's below that range, you're not going to start," Kreher said. 
 
Colder weather brings lower tire pressure as well, but Kreher said winter tires may not be necessary. However, an emergency road kit can go a long way. 
 
"Make sure you have a phone charger, or your phone charged. Sometimes, a shovel in case you get stuck, or a bag of sand that you can sprinkle to help get traction," Kreher said. 
 
Colder weather also welcomes more deer, especially during the night. Depending on the size, hitting a deer could be costly. Kreher recommends driving slowly in wooded areas, and if you do hit a deer, turn on your hazards and dial 911. 
 
"Even just a minor hit, you're going to be looking at $1,000 to $1,500," Kreher said. 
 
Most importantly, Kreher urges people to be proactive and not wait until snow piles up to get their vehicle a winter check-up. 
 
Top Stories:

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.