Winter Driving

Now that it is December it also means that the cold weather has come bringing with it snow, rain, strong winds, and ice.  For these upcoming months, make sure to prepare for winter, especially when it comes to driving.  

How to Prep Your Car for the Weather:

• Check radiator system or check the antifreeze level yourself.  Add any if needed.

• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with winter mix.

• Get tires checked and make sure it is durable to get through snow and slush.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

• Try to avoid use of parking brake.

• Do not use cruise control while driving on slippery surfaces.

• Make sure that your exhaust pipe is not clogged with any snow or ice.  A block can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the car.

• When traveling long distances be sure to pack blankets, gloves, hats, food, and water.

• Avoid fatigue.  Try to get a good amount of rest before driving in winter weather.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

Make sure you are checking the following:

• Antifreeze
• Windshield Wiper Fluid
• Heater
• Defroster
• Brakes
• Ignition
• Emergency Flashers
• Exhaust
• Tires
• Fuel
• Oil
• Batter
• Radiator

For more information check out the CDC Website

Tips for driving in snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.

• Drive slow in general to be able to give yourself time to maneuver.

• Increase following distance by eight to ten seconds giving yourself more time to stop.

• Avoiding stopping if you can. 

• Avoid powering up hills.  Applying more gas on snowy roads just gets the wheel spinning.  Build up some inertia before-hand.

• Do not stop going up-hill when having a momentum going.

• If the weather is very bad then avoid traveling at all.

For more information visit AAA Exchange

Safe travels this holiday season and stay prepared by planning ahead for the unexpected winter weather to come!