We know that slippery roads, low visibility, and holiday traffic all pose threats to our safety during the winter. However, there are still things we need to get done and places we need to be. So how do we prepare for these and other threats in order to keep ourselves and our families safe?
We’re going to break down how winter conditions affect your vehicle so that you can properly prepare your vehicle and yourself. Next, we’re going to help you get your winter driving kit ready to go just in case you do find yourself in a difficult situation. Lastly, we’ll walk you through what to do if you do wind up stuck and waiting for help.
Temperatures & how they affect driving.
The main way that temperatures affect your vehicle — and therefore, your driving — has to do with your tires. When temperatures drop, pressure also reduces. This includes tire pressure. Low tire pressure causes traction issues in all-season tires (versus winter tires which are built with special rubber compounds designed for cold weather).
Low pressure tires and ice on the road is a very dangerous combination. Navigation and braking become much more challenging.
There are two things you can do to keep your tires in top shape during colder weather:
First, invest in a set of winter tires. There are many great options within different price ranges. If you want to learn more about the advantages, cost, and durability of winter tires, checkout our Winter Tire series.
Second, make sure to check your tire pressure every morning before leaving for the day. Whether you park in a garage or outside, you will need to inflate your tires more frequently in the winter months. If you see your TPMS light turn on, do not ignore it.
Another way the temperatures can affect your vehicle and your driving is via your fuel economy.
First of all, it takes a much longer time for your vehicle to get to a fuel-efficient temperature. This reduces your fuel economy, especially when driving short distances. Next, turning on your car sooner to let it heat up before you get in consumes more fuel.
The effects of low tire pressure also include increased resistance, meaning you’ll have to use more gas to get up to speed. Along with that, when your tire traction is reduced, your vehicle will require more fuel.
Car battery life is also affected by cooler temperatures.
Car batteries are easily compromised by cold weather. Make sure to check your voltage each day to prevent your vehicle from dying.
Your vehicle may also fail to start due to compromised spark plugs. Spark plug issues may cause your engine to turn over a few times before starting, or not start at all.
Snow, rain and ice.
All forms of precipitation change the way your tires interact with the road. Snow, rain, and ice can all cause reduced braking distance, traction issues, and more. If your vehicle is not equipped to handle these challenges, your chances of ending up in a ditch are much higher.
So what can you do to prepare?
Invest in Winter Tires.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated at all times.
Make sure your TMPS (tire pressure monitoring system) is functioning properly.
Keep a full or nearly full tank of gas.
Regularly check your battery voltage.
Test your defrosters.
Park your car in a garage, or purchase a car battery blanket/warmer.
Create and bring a winter driving kit with you ALL the time.
Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid levels.
Take extra precautions while driving. For example, leave extra room between you and the car in front of you, start braking earlier, take your time, and don’t drive if you don’t have to.
Winter driving kit checklist.
You should always be ready for an emergency, but during the winter, there are a few extra essentials you should add to your driving kit in case of emergency. Having some tools to help dig yourself out of snow banks and get traction on slippery surfaces will help you get out of the cold and to safety faster. Don’t just think about your vehicle and forget about your own needs. Remember to have some extra food, water, and blankets or clothing for warmth. Here are some of our suggestions for your winter driving kit.
Snow Shovel
Ice Scraper
Brush/Broom
Jumper Cables
Sand (for traction)
Extra battery
Flashlight
Warm clothes/blankets in case you have to wait outside and away from the road.
Extra food, water, and medicine.
Charged cell phone, phone charger, portable phone charger.
Bright safety markers.
Winter Driving tips to avoid emergencies.
Despite all of your preparations, you may still find yourself struggling to stay on the road. Here are some common dangerous winter driving situations and how to navigate your way to safety.
Keep extra space between you and other vehicles. Slippery roads and lowered traction can increase your braking distance ten times!
Take your time turning Busy roads may seem safer because they appear cleared, however, they can actually become slicker. Even if you can’t see ice, brake before you start your turn. Don’t wait until you’re already turning and it’s too late.
Even out If the back of your car starts to slide, turn the same direction as the skid. Your car may skid again as it straightens. Be prepared to correct this second slide.
Icy patches When you hit an icy spot on the road, you may lose your ability to steer. Make sure you do not hit the brakes. Take your foot off of the gas and wait until your car slows down before you try to stop or steer your way out of it.
Aim for the snow In a dangerous situation, it’s much better to be stuck in a snowbank than to collide with another vehicle.
Keep yourself safe in emergencies.
Even with all of your preparation, accidents can still happen. Here are some tips on how to handle a winter roadside emergency.
Once you’ve prepared your vehicle and your emergency kit, make sure to inform someone else where you’re going and what route you’re taking. That way, if anything happens, someone can get to you and help you faster.
If you do get stuck, first call roadside services or emergency services to help you get out. Next, make sure to mark your vehicle using the markers in your emergency kit. Brightly colored fabric can also be used. Try to only use your hazards/flashers if you hear or see an approaching vehicle. Keeping your flashers on constantly can diminish your battery quickly.
If you have another adult with you, try to take turns being alert and resting.
If your vehicle is safely out of danger from other vehicles, stay inside. You can keep warm and safe this way. If you are inside and running your engine, check the exhaust pipes often. They can occasionally clog with snow and cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter your vehicle.
If you can’t run your engine, there are other ways to stay warm. Use the extra clothing or blankets you have in your emergency kit, huddle together, and make sure to move around a bit to keep blood flowing.
If your vehicle is near or on a busy road, and emergency help is on the way, make sure to bundle up, then head out and away from the traffic.
Winter can pose more threats to your safety every time you hit the road. Make sure your as prepared as possible so that if something does go wrong, you are ready to handle it.
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