Winter driving is often challenging in various ways. Depending on where you live, the weather may become cold, snowy, or icy, or heavy rains may inundate the area. Even if you are a careful driver, others on the road may be a little more reckless, so you have to watch out for them as well. To prepare for winter, here are a few tips to help keep you safe while driving.
Drive Cautiously
When the weather turns rough, slow down and take it easy. You don’t know exactly how your vehicle will respond to adverse road conditions or how other drivers will handle the weather, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Test your brakes and steering periodically to ensure they are working properly.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Check your tire pressure every week or whenever the tire pressure gauge light comes on. Tires tend to lose air more quickly during the cold months, and you don’t want to have a flat when it’s below freezing outdoors. Make sure there is adequate tread to manage slippery road conditions. If the car is struggling to start, have the battery checked, and if it’s failing, get a new one to avoid it going dead when you’re on the road. Keep the window washing fluid reservoir filled so you can keep the windshield clear during inclement weather.
Repair Minor Car Injuries
Get minor damage to your car taken care of before winter. Dents and auto scratches are more apt to rust during the cold, damp months. If your windshield is cracked or chipped, get an auto glass estimate and schedule a repair to avoid further damage in bad weather. Cracked mirrors should likewise be replaced, and the defogger and heater should be in good working condition before the winter gets there.
Take Emergency Supplies
Many experts recommend keeping an insulated blanket, a couple bottles of water, and some snacks in the car in case it breaks down. A flashlight and a tire changing kit or emergency roadside assistance plan are also vital at this time of year. Keep your cell phone charged or take a charger in the car with you. On icy roads, it may help to put some extra weight in the trunk for stability.
A few basic steps like these may become critically important during the winter. Plan ahead to prevent problems from occurring on the road or to minimize anything that might happen.