Being from New England I grew up surrounded by bad winter weather and people who took precautions when driving in it. The winter I learned to drive was one of the worst we had in a long time. I lived on a hill that was often covered in ice. It was no joke getting to school my senior year. I totally have my share of “when I was growing up… ” stories about driving in winter weather.
Here are some of the best tips I know and use to this day.
1. Is your battery on the edge of death? Cold diminishes the effectiveness of a car’s battery, so if your battery was on the edge in the fall, the winter will send it into certain doom. Stranded on the side of the road in the cold? No, thank you! If you haven’t purchased a battery in a while, have your car battery and the charging system checked by a professional mechanic.
2. Easy Peasy with antifreeze. Antifreeze is a no-brainer when the temperature dips below freezing. Make sure your car has proper antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system. It can still overheat in the winter.
3. Tired tires and flat woes. PLEASE check out your tires! Is it time for a tire repair? Are your tires all-season? Do you live in an area that makes winter tires a good buy? Snow tires are not as exciting to buy as a pair of stilettos but they can mean a safer drive in the winter. Invest in them like you would a good pair of heels. For instance, if you own a Nissan, make sure to change it with new nissan tires for a convenient and safe winter trip.
While you are at it, check the tire pressure in your tires. It takes 15 minutes and is easier than you think. You need that good tread depth this time of year. Your car’s manual will have the correct tire pressure included in it. Mine are great at 32!
4. Wipe away wiper woes by ensuring yours don’t need to be replaced. When the hard rains and heavy snows of winter arrive you want to be able to see as much as possible. Replace dried out and cracked wipers. Check your windshield fluid while you are at it. Don’t forget that rear wiper and washer! It needs love too.
5. Don’t drive on “E.” Always stay off the red zone and keep your fuel tank full or above a half-tank during the winter. Bad weather can happen fast. You don’t want to be stranded or in a cold car because you didn’t fill the tank.
6. Plan for a worst-case scenario like you would for a zombie apocalypse or Black Friday. Have a set of extra gloves, a flashlight, blanket and water in your car. Even a of kitty litter can help in a stuck situation. You don’t want to be stranded but you also don’t want to come up with just a bunch of spare change and empty SBUX cups if it does happen. Be smart. Plan ahead. At least pack a blanket and a granola bar.
STOCK UP on WINTER CAR NEEDS
For more on winter driving and the overall 10 Best Cars for Winter, visit KBB.
Hello Vicky! Thanks for sharing such wonderful tips. Even though I live in FL I travel a lot to the north for work where most of the time is really cold. Since I am not used to deal with such type of weather conditions, I always struggle when there is snow or ice on the road. Last time I went to Fairbanks, Alaska for work, it was -40 in November!!!! I couldn’t believe I was experiencing such type of weather. I had to plug in the car in an electrical outlet every time I parked. I actually fell on the ground on one occasion trying to get off the car. I will never forget such experience:-) I will keep in mind such wonderful tips next time I travel. Have a blessed Holiday Season! XOXO, Jeannette
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Wow, Jeanette! That sounds awful but I have totally had my share of falling on the ice and dealing with cold car issues in the past. I’m glad I could help!
I live on top of a mountain at 9000 feet in the Rockies. In addition to your tips (which are spot on) I also keep in my car: yaktraks, a bucket of icemelt, a bucket of EcoTraction, a small lightweight shovel, chains and jumper cables.