When it comes to driving in the winter, it’s important to be both prepared and cautious. With higher rates of car accidents occurring in the winter months, it’s imperative for you and your car to be ready for the snowy and icy roads. Here are some winter driving tips for you and your family to follow as the weather grows colder and the snow starts to fall.
Clean Your Car Off Before You Drive
As you go out to your car each day, be sure to clean it off. Between snow, ice, and salt from the roads, your car may be unsafe to take out before cleaning off. Did you know that salt particles can be damaging to a turbine? Once salt particles attach themselves to turbine blades, they attract other particles, like dirt. This can decrease the turbine’s power output by up to 15%. With this in mind, consider cleaning off salt yourself or by getting your car washed frequently throughout the winter.
Cleaning off your car is not only good for your car’s ability to take you places, but it’s also about a matter of safety. If you don’t scrape off ice and clean off snow from your entire windshield before driving, a gust of wind or snowfall can add more than your wipers are capable of wiping off. This can create a serious safety hazard if you are driving and can’t see the road ahead of you. Therefore, be sure to be thorough when cleaning off your car before driving anywhere.
Make Sure Your Car is Ready For the Cold Weather
To ensure your safety while driving, it is also imperative to be sure your car and its parts are ready for the cold weather. This includes checking your car’s battery life, brake pads, and tire pressure. These parts of your car may need repair or replacement before the winter months, as the cold weather weakens car batteries as well as affects your tire pressure. Replacing brake pads before winter is also a good idea because fresh ones will be more durable in the snowy and icy roads when it comes to your car’s traction and braking abilities.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
When it comes to driving in the winter, it is essential to be prepared for emergencies. For typical vehicles, be sure you always have your gas tank at least half full. This will ensure your safety and ability to drive if you are ever stuck in the snow for a time. If you own an electric vehicle, be sure your car is charged. Most electric vehicle owners will charge at home 95% of the time, so be sure you are vigilant in being prepared for the unexpected, too.
Another precaution you can take when it comes to preparing for emergencies in the cold weather is having an emergency kit in your car. This will come in handy if your car breaks down on the side of the road or if your friend needs your help in a similar situation. An emergency kit can include jumper cables, a portable cell phone charger, a blanket, a coat, a scarf and gloves, a shovel, an ice scraper, and a snow brush. You’ll be glad you have these items if you’re ever stuck in the cold.
Drive Around Frequently or Utilize Antifreeze
If you are working or studying from home or don’t drive too often, be sure to take your car for a spin once or twice a week. This ensures that your car battery’s temperature is reaching full operating temperature and is running properly. Another option is to utilize antifreeze protection. Antifreeze can prevent damage to your car because it helps prevent water from freezing and creating pressure in critical areas of your car.
Drive Safely and Carefully
With snow and ice on the roads during the winter months, people tend to get into more car accidents. Although about 96% of personal injury cases are settled pretrial, you surely don’t want to deal with an injury, legal fees, and a car in need of fixing. To lessen your chances of getting into a car accident this winter, be a careful and patient driver. Acknowledge the fact that both new and old drivers are on the roads, and everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to driving in the snow. Keep a good distance between your car and the one in front of you while driving, and remain calm if your car slides. Keep your hands on the wheel and keep your eyes peeled for other cars. By being a safe, careful, and patient driver, you are keeping yourself and other drivers safe around you. Make sure that your car insurance policy is updated in case an accident happens, and consider consulting with personal injury attorneys like an auto accident attorney if needed.
Ensuring your safety means being cautious with your car as well as your driving habits. Be sure to go over these winter driving tips with your family. Check the weather, check your car, and be prepared.
