January and February are when El Paso usually gets the worst of whatever kind of winter we’re going to have. We may see some winter weather so, get ready now.
El Paso enjoys such mild winters, we forget sometimes that we can and do see very low temps, freezing rain, snow and more.
That false sense of security can bite you on the azz when winter weather does appear so, it’s best that you prepare your home and vehicle(s) now with this advice from experts.
Your home and your car are probably the single most expensive things you own and you rely heavily on them so, don’t let winter screw them up. We don’t think about winter much because ours are so mild and that can set you up for failure.
Prep Your Car For Winter
Item #1 – Don’t be Cheap. I know a couple of people who ruined their car engines because they didn’t put in antifreeze. Water may be cheaper but a sudden freeze can turn that $10 you saved into thousands of dollars in repair/replacement costs.
Here are a few other winter prep tips:
Check your tires, falling temps can lower air pressure. The proper levels can be found on the tire and/or the inner, drivers side, door panel.Make sure your tire tread is good, (Use the penny trick below.)Be sure all your essential fluids are topped offPop in fresh wiper blades now, before any storms come.
If you plan long winter driving trips; be sure you have jumper cables, sand bags, a flashlight and these other winter safety items in your trunk. Don’t let your gas tank fall below half full and, (especially if you don’t drive your car daily), be sure your battery is fully charged. Really cold temps and minimal use drain the power.
 Prep Your Home For Winter
To save yourself winter related trouble at home, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends these things:
Get your chimney inspected and cleaned.Get your furnace inspected.Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.Replace alarms older than 10 years.Seal leaks or cracks around bathroom and kitchen pipes.Check your attic insulation.Stock up on bottled water, nonperishable food, and batteries.Trim trees hanging over your house and cars.Clean guttersWinterize your pool and run the pump so pipes don’t freeze.
READ MORE: Extreme Weather In El Paso
Read more winter safety tips from the National Safety Council here. Be sure you have plenty of tacos, beer, chips and salsa on hand too.
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