Driving in the Winter

While Driving

• Drive carefully and defensively. Don’t try to save time by traveling faster.
• Monitor weather conditions and seek shelter immediately if the storm seems severe.
• Pay attention to gauges, unusual noises and other sights and sounds coming from your car. If something seems unusual, be sure to have a professional check it out.
• Refuel once your gas tank indicator shows that you have less than a 1/2 tank. A full gas tank will be helpful if you are stranded and also helps prevent the fuel line from freezing when parked.

If You Are Stranded

Attract attention

• Use hazard lights and flares.
• Do not attempt to walk out of your car in a blizzard. You are much more likely to be found by staying in your vehicle.
• Keep watch for traffic or searchers. Do not permit all occupants to sleep at once.
• Turn your dome light on at night, but only when running the engine. (Don’t wear down your battery!)
• Tie the red cloth from your car emergency kit to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Raise the hood (after snow stops falling) to indicate trouble.

Stay warm.

• Exercise frequently to keep blood circulating and to keep warm, but avoid over-exertion and exposure.
• Prevent carbon monoxide build-up – keep fresh air in your vehicle – especially if you are using a candle, solid fuel or another type of heating device.
• Run the motor and heater sparingly and only with the down-wind window open for ventilation. Make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
• Wear a hat! You can lose up to 60% of your body heat through your head.
• Huddle with other passengers and use your coat as a blanket. In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering – anything to provide additional insulation and warmth.

Prepare for Winter

Pack a car emergency kit with extra items for winter.

Items for winter conditions may include:

• Additional warm winter clothing for each passenger (hats, boots, gloves, jackets)
• Brightly colored cloth to tie around antenna
• Extra blankets
• Jumper cables
• Small sack of sand
• Snow scraper; snow shovel
• Tire chains or traction mats for generating traction

WHN TIP — Inside Your Car: Make sure that the survival items (food, water, blankets, flares, matches, etc.) are INSIDE your car, in case you do get stranded.

Prepare for flat tires and dead batteries.

• Learn how to change a tire and jump start a car (ask your mechanic or a car-savvy family member or friend).
• If you already know how, consider reviewing each procedure.

Plan for alternate transportation.

• Consider joining a carpool or vanpool to ease the stress.
• Have bus, train and subway schedules for your routes at home and at work, in case you can’t drive.

Anticipate “Snow Emergency” declarations.

• When a significant amount of snow falls, a snow emergency may be declared by city or county officials.
• Snow emergencies are a set of parking regulations and routes that allow for easier plowing of streets and roadways.
• Learn about the snow emergency routes and procedures in your area. To avoid parking tickets or being towed, you may have to move your vehicle if a snow emergency is declared. Plan ahead and look for areas out of snow emergency designated areas to park your vehicle.
• Contact your city hall administration to find out about snow emergency regulations, routes and procedures in your city.

Systems Check-Up

Get a complete systems check-up in the fall.

Battery

• Cold weather starts require a fully charged battery. Recharge or replace weak batteries.
• If your battery is 4-5 years old, you may want to replace it.
• Have your whole charging system checked out by a professional.

Brakes

• Have your brakes checked by your mechanic.

Exhaust system

• Have the exhaust system fully checked for leaks.

Fluids and Filters

• Check fluid levels, battery posts, voltage regulator and alternator or generator.
• Change your oil to a winter grade oil to help the engine deal with the cold.
• Change your oil filter as well.
• Replace the fuel filter. The fuel filter separates the fuel from dirt and water – this water can freeze and stop fuel from reaching the engine.
• Change your air filter. Don’t know how to do this? If you purchase an air filter from your mechanic, they might replace the filter for free.

Heating and Cooling System

• Check your radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks.
• Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly.
• Test the strength of the anti-freeze.
• Anti-freeze should be changed at least every two years. Have it changed now if you didn’t do it last year.
• Test the functioning of the heater and defroster.

Ignition System

• Look for and replace damaged or worn out wires, caps or plugs.

Lights

• Make sure all lights and fuses are functioning properly.
• Put in extra fuses for your headlights, brake and turn signals in your car to have just in case.

Tires

• Traction is the key to good movement, turning and stopping on wet surfaces.
• Also, check the tires and tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold and remember that tire air pressure decreases in colder weather.
• Check your owner’s manual or door frame for the maximum pressure amount for your tires. Do not go above that pressure point.
• Make sure to have the same tires on all four wheels. This will keep your car stable.
• Check your spare tire regularly.

Snow Tires

• If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you may want to consider purchasing snow tires. Tires marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions.
• One general rule of thumb is to use snow tires from Oct. 15-Apr. 15 – some cities and states might have laws designating when snow tires are allowed – check with your local administration.

Windshield Wipers and Washer

• Make sure there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40°C temperature range. Carry an extra jug in the vehicle.
• Make sure wipers are in good condition. Blades that streak should be replaced.
• Snowblades or blades with a rubber cover are better at pushing snow and preventing water damage.

Photo Credit: NeONBRAND on Unsplash