The rules of driving change in winter. That’s obvious from the first moment you slip on ice or snow, but there are also a few other things you should do to prepare for cold weather beyond changing your driving style.
Get an Emergency Kit
Skidding off the road is bad in any weather, but skidding off the road in winter is worse. Your emergency kit should include items like a warm blanket, road flares, emergency food and water, a snow shovel, and (if you don’t already have one) a mobile phone that can call 911.
Replace Your Tires
You can get tires for any car that have extra traction and grip in slippery conditions. Even if you stick with your current set, you should still check your tire pressure since the air inside will shrink with the cold.
Check Your Fluids
This means adding antifreeze to the radiator, winter weight (or multi-viscosity) oil, and wiper fluid that won’t freeze at 32 degrees, among other things.
Check Your Battery
Batteries have it rough in freezing and subzero temperatures, which is one reason electronics warn you not to leave them outdoors. Unfortunately, with cars you don’t always have a choice, so check your battery and replace it if it’s having trouble holding a charge.
Whether you have to drive through a full-on snowstorm or whether you simply have to watch out for a layer of ice on the road, driving is much more hazardous in winter than in any other season. Make sure you stay safe by following these winter driving tips.
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