With ice, sleet, snow, and poor visibility, maneuvering a car in the winter can pose a dilemma. In order to increase the safety of you and your passengers, follow these important safety tips.
1. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Read the owner's manual and follow proper winterizing suggestions that involve the battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, and filters.
2. Always clear the snow and ice from not only all windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of the car.
3. It is suggested to keep your gas tank above the halfway mark in case you become delayed or stranded in a snowstorm.
1. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Read the owner's manual and follow proper winterizing suggestions that involve the battery, lights, defroster, heater, motor oil, antifreeze, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, brakes and brake fluid, belt, hoses, and filters.
2. Always clear the snow and ice from not only all windows and lights, but also the hood and roof of the car.
3. It is suggested to keep your gas tank above the halfway mark in case you become delayed or stranded in a snowstorm.
4. Stock your trunk with emergency supplies, including a small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, scraper, brush, and bag of sand (or kitty litter), which provides traction for tires. You should also have blanket, gloves, boots, road flares, warm clothing, flashlight, extra batteries, water, and a first-aid kit.
5. Always wear a seatbelt.
6. Stay alert.
7. Drive with headlights on.
8. Give yourself enough time to slow down when roads are slippery.
5. Always wear a seatbelt.
6. Stay alert.
7. Drive with headlights on.
8. Give yourself enough time to slow down when roads are slippery.
9. Do not pass maintenance vehicles or plows on the right and give them at least 200 feet between them and your vehicle.
10. Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do not cut in front.
11. Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing cold weather.
12. Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes - it is much better to "stomp and steer."
10. Since trucks take longer to stop than cars, do not cut in front.
11. Avoid cruise control or overdrive in freezing cold weather.
12. Avoid pumping anti-lock brakes - it is much better to "stomp and steer."
Happy Driving!