Prepare Now for Winter Weather

With wintry weather in the forecast for many, now's the time to plan ahead for things like ice and heavy snow.

O'Reilly Auto Parts has supplies you may need if your area experiences a power outage.

• Extension cords. Check your extension cords to ensure they aren't frayed or worn, and that they're long enough to keep a generator away from your home so you aren't breathing in carbon monoxide. Never operate a generator in an enclosed area.
• Power inverter. A power inverter changes battery power into usable home power for things like laptops, medical equipment, and televisions.
• Small engine supplies. If trees come down on your property, your chainsaw may get some good use. Make sure your chain is sharp and that you have clean air filters, spark plugs, and bar and chain oil on hand.
• Tarps and straps. Extra tarps and straps could come in very handy if a tree comes down on your roof.
• Flashlights and spare batteries. Even if you have a generator, it may not power everything for a long period of time. Having flashlights and fresh batteries is a good idea year-round.

Even after crews have cleared the roads, the forecast calls for bitter cold. Now's the time to prepare your car as well.

• Test your battery. This is one of the easiest things to do, because your nearest O'Reilly offers the service for free. Batteries are known to fail in cold weather, mostly from damage done during summer's high heat. Don't get stranded in cold temperatures - find out now how much "juice" you have now before the storm hits.

• Fill 'er up. Keeping your fuel tank above half-full during winter will not only ensure you don't run out of gas in the cold, but also prevents damage to your fuel pump.
• Test your tire pressure. A simple gauge can ensure the tire pressure is within your vehicle's recommended levels. It's a good idea to do another check if temperatures reach very cold levels, as that can cause a decrease in tire pressure.
• Pack an emergency kit. Include jumper cables, gloves, a poncho, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Road flares are a good additional safety measure, and at this time of year, a can of de-icer can go a long way in a pinch. Don't forget extra water, snacks and a blanket. Ensure you have your jack, lug nut wrench and a properly inflated spare tire.
• Check your first aid kit. If it's been in your car for a while, check that the items - particularly medications and ointments - are not outdated.
• Get ready for the winter weather in your area by ensuring you have an ice scraper, snow brush, kitty litter for traction, an umbrella and coat in your vehicle.

You can count on your neighborhood O'Reilly store team to open as soon as it's safe after a storm, offering our everyday low prices even if our stores don't have power. Prepare now, but rest assured we'll be there to help if severe weather strikes.