Hello Tipp City! Marc the Cop here-

I was traveling home from the academy during the rains from Helene when I noticed another motorist struggling to see. I thought, "They need to replace those windshield wipers."

With winter right around the corner, now would be an excellent time to prepare your car for winter.

Preparing your vehicle for winter is essential to ensure safety and reliability in the cold and often hazardous conditions. Winter can present challenges such as snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and reduced visibility, which can affect your vehicle's performance. Here are some critical steps to ensure your car is ready to handle the winter months. 

1.    Check Your Tires - Proper tires are crucial for maintaining traction on slippery roads. First, inspect the tread on your tires. If it's worn down, consider replacing them. Winter tires are designed to provide better grip in snowy and icy conditions and remain flexible even in freezing temperatures. Alternatively, all-season tires n & work, but winter 

2.    Test Your Battery - Cold weather can be harsh on car batteries, reducing their efficiency and making it harder for your vehicle to start. Testing your battery to ensure it holds a proper charge is a good idea. If your battery is over three years old, consider replacing it before winter. Clean any corrosion off the terminals and ensure all connections are secure.

3.    Replace Wiper Blades and Check Fluids - Winter conditions can severely compromise visibility. If your windshield wiper blades show signs of wear, replace them, and ensure you have winter-grade windshield washer fluid that won't freeze. Topping off or replacing other essential fluids such as coolant, oil, and brake fluid is also important. A proper antifreeze mixture in your coolant system is crucial for preventing your engine from freezing. 

4.    Inspect Brakes - Brakes are your vehicle's most crucial safety feature, especially when driving on slick roads. Have them inspected by a mechanic before the season starts to ensure they're in top shape. Worn-out brake pads or rotors should be replaced to ensure effective stopping power in slippery conditions.

5.    Prepare an Emergency Kit - Even with all precautions, breakdowns can still happen. Having an emergency kit in your vehicle can be a lifesaver. Essential items include a blanket, flashlight, extra batteries, ice scraper, jumper cables, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food items. A small shovel, sand, or kitty litter can also help provide traction if you get stuck in the snow. By taking these steps, you'll ensure your car is ready to handle winter weather and give yourself peace of mind when driving in challenging conditions.

Remember the 9 PM routine! The Nine PM routine is a nightly reminder to residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, lock the doors to their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.

That is all for this week! Please be safe, care for one another, and remember, we are all part of this community. Your involvement and care can make a significant difference.

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)

Do you have a suggestion for the Tipp of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!

The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.