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Winter Tires
The colder the temperatures, the more ice you deal with, and the more snow gets packed down on the roads, the more you'll need winter tires.
Non-winter tires have rubber that hardens as the temperatures dip below freezing. These tires fail to grip the road as well as they should. Winter tires use compounds in the rubber that resist this hardening. They retain their traction, which maintains your ability to hold the road the way you intend.
Some areas allow studded tires and chains during certain times of year. Some areas even require them. If you get chains, be sure you know what size chains you need, how to install them, and keep them in your car throughout the winter. They do you no good if they're sitting at home.
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Tire Pressure
Cold temperatures can also mean drastic changes in your tire pressure. Driving with tires that don't have high enough pressure can seriously increase your risk of accident. Check your tire pressure regularly over the winter.
Pen-style pressure gauges are often sold inexpensively (or even given away) at hardware or car supply stores. Any gas station that offers air should have a pressure gauge you can use.
Make sure you know the appropriate pressure. You don't want to overfill your tires, either.
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Washer Fluid
A lot of dirt and sludge gets mixed into snow on the highway and even on local roads. This will get kicked up onto your windshield, making it difficult to see out of it. Without enough washer fluid, you can end up just smearing that grime across your windshield.
Your windshield washer fluid reservoir should be full throughout winter. It's even a smart idea to keep a spare bottle stored in the trunk.
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Rear Window Defroster
Keep your rear window defroster working well, and make sure your rear window is clear of any items. Many states even have laws requiring this because it's such an important part of winter driving.
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Maintenance
Get your vehicle serviced before the winter. When you do, make sure that your battery, charging system, antifreeze, and cooling system are all in good shape.
This is also a good opportunity to handle things like winter tires, so you can get everything done in one fell swoop. Most places will also top off your fluids (including washer fluid) for free when you get other work done, so be sure to ask for this.
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Gas Tank
The gas tank should be kept more than half full all winter. This means filling up more often, but it's important. A full tank helps prevent gas line freezes. Condensation can form in the empty part of your gas tank, freeze, and ice your fuel lines. With less space to form, condensation won't be as much of a risk.
This also helps you stay warm if you become stranded. You may need to rely on your car's heat while you wait.
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Winter Safety Kit
- Winterizing your car isn't just about keeping your car safe. It's also about keeping yourself safe. With this in mind, make sure you have a few extra items stowed away:
- A winter safety kit should have:
- Extra, warm clothing
- Hats and gloves
- Blankets (if you drive children, you need to get the warm and cozy)
- Flares
- A pack of matches
- First Aid Kit
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Non-perishable food and drink
- Extra antifreeze
- Car tool kit
- A bag of sand and shovel
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Remember!
Safe winter driving is aided by your mindset as well. Pay attention to weather reports and check them before you drive. They can notify you of incoming storms, black ice alerts, and other dangerous road conditions.
Keep your cell phone well-charged and remember your car charger. You can't call for help if you forgot your cell phone on the kitchen counter.
Don't put yourself in situations where you have to rush. Give yourself a bit of extra time. This will help you drive more slowly and safely.
Be mindful of stopping conditions. It's often wise to do a test stop or two on your local road so that you have some idea of what the braking conditions are like before you get on the highway. Be sure to leave extra room for braking between you and the car ahead.
Don't assume others will do everything right. If you notice a driver driving badly or without regard for others' safety, give them space so that you don't become a part of their accident. If someone behind you is getting aggravated, let them pass if you can. Just because they want to speed or drive unsafely doesn't mean you have to.
Are you ready for winter?