Winter Driving Tips: What You Need to Stay Safe

Advice for being behind the wheel when the weather turns cold

Winter brings joyful holidays and trips to the mountains for winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding. The season also ushers in some tricky road conditions. Ice and cold raise the challenges to safe driving. Whether you’re planning an excursion to see family or live in a region prone to severe weather, being prepared is crucial. When driving in winter weather, you should go the extra mile in preparation. Read on for some winter driving tips.

How to prepare your vehicle for winter driving

Make sure your automobile is ready for the road. You can do it yourself with car safety and security tools or opt for seeing a professional mechanic. By prepping your vehicle, you could save yourself a lot of aggravation down the road.

Tires

Inspect your tires. Make sure the treads are ready for slick roads. Know when to replace tires for winter driving. Insert a penny into your tire tread, with the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head first. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, the time has come for a change.

What is the best all-season tire for winter driving? Snow tires are designed to provide superior traction to grip the road even in icy conditions. Tires lose pressure more quickly in cold weather. Be sure to check all four tires more often once winter hits. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, consider investing in a set of snow chains. However, check your state and local laws before buying and using them.

Wipers

Replace your windshield wipers if necessary. Consider investing in durable winter blades for peak performance. Ensure your car has a full reservoir of wiper fluid. Choosing a formula that functions in sub-zero conditions is best.

Fluids

Check your oil and antifreeze as well. Follow the guidelines on the coolant to ensure its viability in the cold. Also, consider a low viscosity motor oil if your region gets severe cold weather. You can also add a supplemental fluid to your gas tank to prevent freezing there as well.

Electronics

Check your battery and alternator. Battery issues due to extreme cold represent a major cause of winter car trouble. A fully charged or new battery will turn an engine over on even the coldest nights. A portable jump starter can turn that engine over and get you back on the road. Portable starters spare you from waiting for another driver to give you a jump.

Belts

An inspection of your engine belts helps ensure smooth operation. Extreme cold can make those belts stiff and brittle. Worn belts succumb to winter conditions more quickly.

Lights

Don’t forget about visibility. You need to see and be seen during inclement weather. Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals. If you have young children, use the change of seasons as an opportunity to confirm their safety seats are age and size appropriate and correctly installed.

Pay attention to the weather

Weather forecasters love talking about impending storms. It’s a good idea to listen to them. You can also buy a weather alert radio to inform you of storm warnings. If local officials recommend staying off the road, take heed. You avoid 100% of winter automobile accidents when you leave your car in the garage.

Some activities and events, such as winter sports and major holidays, happen amid extreme weather. One part of planning and preparation includes dressing appropriately. You can wear driving shoes in the winter, but you probably won’t want to step out of the car if a foot of snow has fallen. Taking along a pair of snow boots will make sure your feet stay dry if you need to change a tire or walk any distance for gas.

What are the three key elements to safe winter driving?

Common wisdom ― after much trial and error ― identifies three elements to driving safe on winter roads.

First, slow down. Hazardous conditions demand that you exercise more caution. Even if the roads appear clear, icy patches could lurk just ahead. What is the best vehicle for winter driving? The slow and steady one.

Second, stay in control. If you slip, slide or hydroplane, remain calm and keep cool. Accidents result from panic as easily as from road conditions.

Third, stay alert. Keep distractions ― even music ― to a minimum and focus on the road. The right devices can help you focus.

Get some navigational help

Electronic navigation helps you keep your attention on the road. It also helps to have a device specifically designated for the task. A GPS navigator has advantages over a cell phone. A GPS provides:

Longer battery life
Larger screens
Onboard maps

A navigational device has better battery life than a cell phone. Using one also preserves your phone’s battery ― a top priority in winter driving conditions. A larger screen gives a clearer image and lets you keep your eyes on the road longer. With onboard maps, navigators don’t rely on a cell connection like some app-driven systems. The navigator can stick to the route better if signals become an issue.

What to keep in your car for winter driving

When driving in winter, you should have some basic supplies in the car. Even if you have minor car trouble, it could happen in a remote area or at times when roadside-assistance services experience heavy demand. Waiting hours for a tow or a jump pose extra challenges in cold and snow.

Items from your camping gear can offer comfort and safety in a breakdown. Flashlights can offer added visibility in emergency situations. Have bottled water and shelf-stable food in the vehicle, especially if you expect to drive off the beaten path. Keep an emergency preparedness kit under a seat or in the trunk. These compact containers hold everything from first aid supplies to tools and can provide critical help in a tough spot.

Stay connected

Your cell phone acts as a lifeline in an emergency. By getting some helpful accessories, you can optimize your phone’s performance when you need it the most.

Bring power along for the ride

Ensure functional devices by bringing along power banks. These battery packs provide highly portable, extra power that fits in the pocket of your parka or in the glove compartment.

Add some signal strength

Your phone needs more than electricity to function. Snow, ice, freezing rain and wind all impact cell signals. Give yourself a better connection with a cell phone signal booster. These devices help you stay connected on remote highways or in the mountains of ski country.

Get the essentials covered so you can enjoy the winter. Prepare yourself in advance so you can stay safe while driving through the snow.