Winter weather with snow ice and cold blowing winds can make driving frightening and dangerous. Reviewing the rules for safe driving in winter and getting your car ready for the season, could help prevent you from being involved in an accident or becoming stranded.
Winterizing your car is well worth the time and money, and a lot less aggravating than the costs that can be involved in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Below are 12 tips to make sure your car is ready:
1. Have the battery and charging system checked and replace if needed.
2. Flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
3. Make sure your heaters, defrosters and wipers work. Buy new winter wiper blades. Use cold weather washer fluid that won’t freeze.
4. Check tire wear and tire pressure. Consider special tires that grip slick roads.
5. Change the oil and filter at recommended intervals.
6. Get a tune-up before winter sets in.
7. Have the brakes checked so you know you can stop on those icy roads.
8. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks; this can be especially dangerous during winter months when windows are closed.
9. Check all the exterior and interior lights and make sure headlights are properly aimed.
10. Keep the tank half full at all times to avoid freezing.
11. Check the condition of the spare tire.
12. Make sure you have an emergency kit including jumper cables, flares, flashlight, blankets, snow brush, bottled water, snacks, cell phone and charger and anything else you might need if you get stranded or stuck in the snow.
Now that your car is ready, make sure you keep these safe winter driving tips in mind:
• First of all, remember what is like to drive in the winter. Start slowly the first time out this winter.
• Never warm up a vehicle in your garage or an enclosed area.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
• Always look and steer in the direction you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you drive or get into a car.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Drive slowly on icy roads.
• Increased your stopping time to eight to ten seconds.
• Don’t stop suddenly if you can avoid it. Keep moving and take advantage of inertia.
• Don’t power up hills and when you reach the top of the hill, reduce speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. You may not get going again.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out.
If you do go out and become stuck, stay with your car. It can provide warmth and shelter and it actually makes it easier to be found. Never try to walk to safety in the cold or during a storm. Bitter cold temperatures can cause hypothermia and blowing snow may cause you to become disorientated. If you decide to try and shovel yourself out, take it easy and be careful not to over tax your heart. The cold weather makes the risk of heart attack more likely, even in younger people who might assume they are not at risk. If you decide to “ride it out” in your stranded car, tie something bright to the antennae or top of car to make it easier to be found.
If you find yourself a victim of a winter driving accident due to someone else’s negligence, give Best Local Attorney a call. With over 30 years of experience as an attorney, we are the best choice when choosing the right attorney for you. If you are not in our area, we can help you find the Best Local Attorney in yours, to help ensure the best outcome in your case.
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