Driving in the winter can be difficult, especially in snowstorms and icy conditions. By getting your car ready for winter and using some simple tips to drive safely, you can face almost any weather that comes your way. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and sleet all pose challenges and often lead to crashes, slide-offs, and other situations that can strand you in your vehicle.
Below are tips to consider before driving in inclement weather:
- Test your battery. Battery power drops as the temperature drops.
- Make sure the cooling system is in good working order.
- Have winter tires with a deeper, more flexible tread put on your car.
- If using all-season tires, check the tread on your tires and replace if less than 2/32 of an inch.
- Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure drops as the temperature drops.
- Check your wiper blades and replace if needed.
- Add wiper fluid rated for -30 degrees.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.
Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly.
Vehicle emergency supply kits should include:
- A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
- Jumper cables
- Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
- First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
- Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
- Drinking water
- Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
- Car charger for your cell phone
Additional items for cold weather include a snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction and blankets.
