We just crossed the line into autumn but, don't kid yourself; a McHenry winter is just around the corner and there's nothing like getting the jump on the season by winterizing your car, truck or SUV.

IT’S STILL SEPTEMBER!!! What do you mean, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your car, truck or SUV here in McHenry? Actually, that’s not such a crazy idea.

According to the National Gardening Association, there is a 10% chance that we’ll see our first freeze her in McHenry by September 26. And we have a 50% chance of seeing the first frost by October 8. Not to put a chill on your autumn fun, but there’s a 10% chance we’ll see a temperature of 16 degrees by November 8. These dates are just around the corner.

In reality, winter is just around the corner, too.

The earliest snow in the area was Oct. 12, 2006. The average first snow of the season is November 16. The first snow of last winter came on Halloween. In any case, early, average, or even late, snow is coming. Snow is coming accompanied by cold. 

The pending winter means challenges for your vehicle. It means challenges for you in terms of driving.

The cold affects your car, truck or SUV in numerous ways. It will make your battery and starter work harder to get the vehicle started. Snow and ice can make it difficult to start and stop while driving, as well as compromising your ability to control your vehicle. Snow, frost, slush and roadsalt can interfere with your vision while driving.

And if you want to stay warm in your car, truck or SUV, your heater needs to work. At the same time, your antifreeze needs to keep you engine block from cracking. 

These are not things that ‘might’ happen to you and your vehicle; these are challenges that are coming as sure as clockwork. But they’re not a big deal, not as long as you’re prepared.

When it comes to preparing your car, truck or SUV for the McHenry winter ahead, you have a choice. You can winterize your vehicle now or you can wait until later. The problem with that is you’ll find yourself in the rush of the others who waited until the last minute.

Some people don’t think about winterizing their vehicle until something reminds them. And that something is usually a cold and/or snowy day. Suddenly, it will occur to them that they need to prepare the vehicle for the season. Others are reminded when their car, truck or SUV won’t start or their brakes and tires have trouble on the roads.

You can avoid the rush and have your car, truck or SUV winterized before the McHenry winter arrives.