Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can
lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen
dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions
from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are
prepared.
Weather
At any temperature -- 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90°
Fahrenheit above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose
serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV,
cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.
Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that
includes:
- Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
- Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
- Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
- Inspecting the distributor.
- Checking the battery.
- Checking the tires for air, sidewall wears and treads depth.
- Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
- Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and
you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full
tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in
your trunk:
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow and tire chains
- Bag of salt or cat litter
- Tool kit
Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should
always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:
- Working flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold,
snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such
as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
Read more: Winterize Your Car