Driving during winter requires heightened awareness and preparation. Road conditions can change rapidly, making safe navigation critical.
Vehicle Preparation
– Install winter tires with good tread depth
– Check antifreeze levels and battery condition
– Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including:
– Blankets
– Flashlight with extra batteries
– First aid kit
– Non-perishable snacks
– Jumper cables
– Sand or cat litter for traction
Gas Up or Plug it in
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible. With electric and hybrid vehicles, it is important to keep your battery charged. The batteries use its own battery power for self-heating in low temps. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible in freezing temperatures. The best way to do this is plugging in your vehicle at night during winter, keeping the battery in its optimal temperature range.
Tires
As the temperatures drop outside, so does your tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. This can be found in the owner’s manual or on the label located on the driver’s side door frame. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold.
Driving Techniques
– Reduce speed and increase following distance
– Avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns
– Use gentle, consistent acceleration
– Know how to handle skids by steering into the slide
If you become stuck
-Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself
-Let your car be seen. Put on bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on
-Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically-just long enough to stay warm
-Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space