By Brooklyn Dean
13 Nov. 2026
With winter approaching, it is important to prepare you and your vehicle for what is ahead. Every November, at least half of the student body on campus pretends it’s not cold, wearing light hoodies, shorts, and slide-on shoes (not the best idea). This is a great way to get sick… do not do it! Even if you have a car here, or you are a commuter, the parking lots at Defiance College start to fill with dead batteries, flat tires, and frozen windshields. To try and get a head start on this weather change are a few tips and steps to take.
As cold weather puts extra strain on vehicles, preparing your vehicle early is more of a safety precaution. First, test your battery. Cold weather can make it difficult to start your car. Next, check your tires. Every time the weather drops 10-degrees from the last, it lowers your tire pressure and can wear tread on tires needed to ensure that the tire can grip on black ice and slush. Then, check the necessities. Make sure your heater, wipers, defroster, and lights work properly. It would also be a good idea to top off your coolant and the windshield washer fluid. Finally, maintain a close to full gas tank in case you get stuck out in the cold.
If you drive a longer distance, it would be wise to create an emergency kit to put in your trunk. This kit should contain an ice scraper/brush, jumper cables, an extra pair of gloves, socks and a blanket, a flashlight, phone charger, water, and non-perishable snacks in case you get stranded or stuck in traffic (e.g., granola bars, trail mix, etc.). However, just because you have this emergency kit doesn’t mean you are invincible. Make sure you check the weather and the road conditions before traveling. If you do decide to try, drive slowly and carefully.
An important point to make is to never run your vehicle in an enclosed building (e.g. garage) and if you have to stop on the side of the road, keep your window(s) cracked. This is to make sure that carbon monoxide isn’t fueling your car because you’ll never know until it is too late.
Furthermore, because most of us walk to class, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. A winter coat, hat, earmuffs and gloves are recommended so that you stay warm while walking across campus, as well as buying a pair of durable winter or waterproof boots so that you have a better chance of avoiding untreated sidewalks.
Stay safe and warm this winter!