Winterizing
Snow, sleet, and ice all wreak havoc on winter driving, and we all know hostile driving conditions means delayed traffic, unpredictable roadways, short tempers, and unexpected dangers of all kinds. The National Safety Council offers following advice to help you prepare for a safe winter driving experience.
Watch the weather
Whether it’s -20°F or 90°F, temperature and weather conditions impact driving and can be responsible for some major problems. You should always be aware of the forecast regardless of what medium you use to get it (e.g., TV, Internet, radio, newspaper, cell phone).
Prepare your car
Get your car ready for winter with an inspection that covers checking the:
- Ignition, brakes, electrical wires, hoses, and fan belts.
- Spark plugs and replacing them if necessary.
- Air, fuel, and emission filters.
- PCV valve.
- Distributor.
- Battery.
- Tire air pressure, sidewall wear, and tread depth.
- Antifreeze level and freeze line.
To guarantee improved gas mileage, rapid starts, and greater torque and horsepower, your vehicle should be scheduled for periodic tune-ups based on the recommended intervals in your owner’s manual.
Emergency equipment
You never know when a crisis will occur when you’re out on the road, so you should always plan for the worst. Besides making sure the car has been serviced, your gas tank is full, and you’ve replenished your antifreeze, you should always store these items in your vehicle:
- Spare tire, lug nut wrench, and carjack.
- Shovel.
- Jumper cables.
- Tow and tire chains.
- Package of salt, sand, gravel, or cat litter.
- Basic tool kit.
Survival kit
If you do encounter an emergency, you had better be ready because there is not much worse than being stranded in freezing temperatures. Keep these vital supplies in your vehicle as well:
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Reflective triangles and fluorescent flags
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Matches in a waterproof box
- Scissors and string/cord
- Nonperishable, energy-packed provisions (e.g., unsalted peanuts in a can, dried fruit, hard candy, bottled drinks).
- Warm blankets and clothes (e.g., mittens, wool socks, hats).
What to do if you’re stranded
- Stay in your vehicle unless you’re:
- Familiar with your location.
- Know where and how far it is to find help.
- Positive you can better your situation.
- Light a couple flares, and place one a safe distance away at each end of the vehicle. Tie a bright cloth or flag to your antenna.
- If the vehicle’s tailpipe is not obstructed, turn on the engine, and run the heater for approximately ten minutes every hour if you have enough gas.
- Use well-insulated blankets and clothes to keep warm and prevent frostbite or hypothermia.
- Crack a window to let a little air in; intense snow and ice can seal all the doors and windows shut.
- Avoid cottonmouth by sucking on hard candy.