Purchasing a Ford F-series from your local Ford dealership can be a liberating experience. After all, the Ford F-series has been the best-selling truck in the U.S. for 40 consecutive years (and counting!) since 1977.
However, with a great vehicle comes great responsibility. And as fellow Americans gear up for the colder weather, it’s up to you to ensure your Ford F-150 is ready to roll in the snow. It may be a number of weeks before the first flakes hit the road, but you can never be too sure or too careful with Mother Nature.
Here are some of the most important things you can do to prepare your favorite truck for winter’s wicked wrath:
- Check the status of your brakes
Whether you have a new Ford F-150 from a Ford dealership or you’re a fan of used Ford trucks, it’s always important to check your brakes before the start of winter. Ice on the roads is always a driving hazard. It’s even more of a hazard if your brakes aren’t working properly when you’re driving through the slush. - Check your battery
Cold weather can put extra pressure on your car’s battery. One of the worst scenarios is getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery in the freezing cold. Before winter hits, have your battery checked to ensure it’s in proper working condition. - Get new your windshield wipers
Windshield wipers should be replaced every six months at the latest. This is because the rubber along the wiper blades can deteriorate over time, causing them to lose proper functionality. Your windshield wipers are essential in winter because of the falling snow and hail, which can reduce driver visibility drastically. - Check the pressure of your tires
Snow tires are great to have on any vehicle in the winter. However, if new snow tires aren’t in the budget, one of the best things you can do is ensure your truck has the right tire pressure. Tire pressure reinforces the tread and traction of your tires, keeping you safe on slippery roads. - Keep an emergency kit on-site
Emergency kits are always great to have on hand in any space, but especially your truck. Even with a vehicle like a Ford F-150 from a professional Ford dealership, you never know what could happen on a winter road. Essentials such as water, non-perishable foods, first aid, a lighter, a source of warmth, and tools to signal for help such as a flare or mirror are always good to have on hand in the case of an emergency situation.
Ford trucks make for incredible vehicles, especially when driving in the winter months. However, your truck is still a vehicle, and it needs to have the proper care and preparation before the cold weather finally hits.