Winter driving conditions can turn treacherous in an instant. The roads are busy and snow, ice, poor visibility, and extreme cold can disable your vehicle or make roads impassable. Even on a relatively short trip you can find yourself stranded for several hours. It’s important to plan ahead for such a situation. Determine where you are going, when you are leaving and plan to return, and how you are getting there. Let someone else know your plan. Map out the best route to your destination and stay abreast of the weather and the road conditions. Traveling on winter roads can be tricky. Be prepared, drive smart, and get to your destination safely with these winter driving tips.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
The best time to get ready for winter is before the first storm of the season. Some items to check to make sure your vehicle is in good working order include:
- Hoses and fan belts
- Spark plugs
- Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels
- Battery strength
- Tire pressure and tread life
- Air, fuel, and emissions filters
- Spare tire and jack
Carry Emergency Supplies
In addition to the just-in-case items you should always have in your vehicle such as jumper cables, tire changing tools, flashlight, and first aid kit, be sure to include these winter essentials:
- Small folding shovel
- Tow and tire chains
- Basic tool kit
- Bag of road salt or cat litter
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Antifreeze
- Warning flares
Follow Winter Driving Recommendations
Winter driving has its own set of challenges from the moment you start up your vehicle. Here are some useful winter driving suggestions:
- Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up
- Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow
- Don’t use cruise control on icy roads
- Allow more time for braking in poor visibility
- Stay calm if you start to skid
Pack a Survival Kit
In case you’re ever marooned in your vehicle, you might want to keep a small survival kit on hand in case of emergencies. Some useful items include:
- Compass
- Ice scraper and brush
- Wooden matches
- High-energy, non-perishable food
- Cell phone charger
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Bottled water
Stay Calm if Stranded
If a winter storm strands you with your vehicle, follow these tips:
- Pull off the highway; if possible, turn on your hazard lights or light flares, and hang a distress flag from an antenna or window.
- Call 911 if you have a phone and describe your location as precisely as possible.
- Remain in your vehicle so help can find you.
- Run your vehicle’s engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.
- Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Exercise a little to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion and sweating.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Conserve your vehicle’s battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.
- At night, turn on an inside light when you run the engine so help can see you.
—Wanda Carlson
