Winterise Your Car |
(AP Photo/Vicki Smith)
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.
Weather
At any temperature -- 30° Celsius below zero or 33° Celsius above -- weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.
Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better petrol mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.
Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of petrol, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:
Essential Supplies
Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:
In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.
If You Become Stranded...
What you need to know when you have car trouble on the road
Tips for driving safely in winter storms