Ready or not, it’s winter (Mother Nature made that clear in no uncertain terms a few days ago). Much of the nation got walloped by a wintry mess, including right here in my neck of the woods, where parts of our state got up to 20 inches of snow. Luckily, I avoided having to drive in the treacherous conditions (I rolled into my garage just as the snow started to fall). However, others were not as fortunate. According to news reports, the wintry conditions were to blame for at least seven traffic deaths as it moved from Texas to Connecticut.
Winter driving is no fun. I know. I live in Wisconsin and each year I am forced to navigate along highways covered with snow, sleet and ice… elements that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. It may seem a bit trite, but the best way to ensure your winter travels are as safe as possible is to be prepared.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your car (and yourself) for the pitfalls of winter driving:
1. Weather Reports. Even if you don’t have a TV, you can still monitor forecasts on the Internet, radio, and newspapers. Nowadays (with technology as advanced as it is) it’s virtually impossible to say that you didn’t know a storm was descending upon your area.
2. Car Checkup. Your car should have a tune-up before you head out on any trip that will take you far from home. If you are planning a long car ride to grandma’s house for Christmas it is vital that you have a professional mechanic give your vehicle a proper check up to include: Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts; changing the spark plugs; checking the air, fuel and emission filters; testing the battery; checking the tires for air, wear and tread depth; and inspecting the antifreeze levels and the freeze line. For additional car care tips click here.
3. Stock Your Trunk. In addition to making sure you get the tune-up, you should carry the following items in your trunk: A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and jack, shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, a bag of salt or cat litter, and a tool kit. For more information on how to properly stock your trunk for all seasons click here.
4. Prepare A Survival Kit. Each of your vehicles should have a “survival kit” that should be replenished after each use. Some items to include are: A working flashlight and extra batteries, reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth, a compass, a first aid kit, windshield cleaner, an ice scraper and snow brush, matches in a waterproof container, scissors and string/cord, non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy, thick waterproof mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
Check back for more tips on Winter Driving.
Related Articles:
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 3