PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR COLD WEATHERadmin2017-04-03T10:28:10-07:00
Before cold weather hits, there are things you can do to insure that your car is ready for cold weather.
Check the following items on your car:
Battery |
Flashing Hazard Lights |
Antifreeze |
Exhaust System |
Wipers and windshield / washer fluid |
Heater |
Ignition system |
Brakes |
Thermostat |
Defroster |
Light |
Oil Level |
|
Tire Tread |
Remember to keep an ice scrapper in your car for mornings when frost or ice crystals have settled on your windshield; clean all snow and ice from your windows and mirrors before traveling. Another good precaution is to maintain at least half a tank of gas during the cold winter months. Always dress warmly by wearing layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. You can also prepare a winter kit by carrying the following items in your trunk during winter months:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Newspapers for extra insulation
- Extra set of mittens, socks and a wool cap
- Rain gear and extra clothes
- Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
- Booster cables
- Small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag, if stranded
- Bottled water and snack food items such as canned nuts, if stranded
Driving Tips
- Limit your travel to essential trips only
- Stay off the road when traveler warnings are issued
- Leave early and expect any trip to take twice as long as normal
- Plan your route to avoid lightly traveled roads
- SLOW DOWN! Slick pavement means reduced traction and excessive speed with cause loss of control. On snow or ice, you should drive much slower than the posted speed limit.
- Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. It can take from 3 to 10 times further to stop on winter slick pavement than a dry road.
- Avoid quick acceleration, hard braking and fast turns. Remember, if your car has antilock brakes, do not pump the brake pedal.