Winterizing your car
The Winter season is known for snow and ice and inclement weather road conditions. These are a few tips in preparing your car for driving in the winter.
- Get your car tuned up, have the brakes, battery, fluid levels and exhaust systems checked.
- Check your heater and defroster to make sure they are working properly.
- Have your windshield wipers blades replaced.
- Stock up on antifreeze and winter weight oil.
- Carry a winter emergency safety kit.
- sand
- salt
- shovel
- snow scraper
- jumper cables
- blankets
- flashlight
Winter Driving Tips
- What to do when your car skids.
- Do not brake, braking only locks you into a skid.
- Turn your car in the direction you what your front wheels to go.
- If you can’t get control of your vehicle it is better to steer into a snow bank or a fence at the side of the road.
General Winter Driving Safety Rules
- Be extra careful when it first starts raining or snowing after the road is dry. The road is extra slick when oil and grease have built up on road.
- In winter conditions, drive with at least 3 times the distance between you and the car
in front of you, to allow extra stopping time to avoid skidding.
- Begin braking 3 times sooner from the stoplight or when you are turning a corner.
- To reduce the chances of skidding, drive more slowly and pump the brakes when you slow down for a turn, do not hold down the
brakes.
- Use low gears on hills, and curves.
Winter Advisory Watches/ Warnings
- Winter Storm Watch
Severe winter weather conditions may affect your area. (freezing rain, sleet, and heavy snow may occur separately or in combination).
- Winter Storm Warning
Severe winter weather conditions are imminent or occurring, and are expected to meet or exceed selected criteria.
- Heavy Snow Warning
A snowfall of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours is expected. (under certain conditions, heavy snow may include winter Storm Warnings.)
- Blizzard Warning
Considerable falling and/or blowing snow and winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
- High Wind Warning
Sustained winds of at least 40 miles per hour or gusts of at least 58 miles per hour or greater are expected to last for at least 1 hour.
- Wind Chill Warning
Used with wind chills of 25 degrees below zero or colder due to brisk winds and very cold temperatures.
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