Tips For Staying Safe On Frozen Winter Roads

If you will be traveling to an area with excessive snow and ice on the roads this winter, then it is important for you to take special care to properly prepare your car. There are many different aspects of vehicle safety that apply to driving in the cold months of winter. To this end, here are some time-tested tips to help keep you safe this winter driving season:

Tip: Check Your Car's Tires for Damage and Proper Inflation

When driving in cold weather, it is vital for your safety that your vehicle's tires have ample tread on them and that they are not under inflated. Take the time to inspect each of your car's tires to ensure that they each have enough tread and that none of them have too much wear around their outside edge. Tires that are out of alignment or balance often wear on their sidewalls and this can cause your car to slide in inclement weather. Any tires that have damage should be replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, your tires should be inflated to the ratings listed on the side of the tire. You can check them with a tire gauge and fill as necessary using your air compressor.

Tip: Check All of Your Car's Fluids and Fill Them as Necessary

Before you head out to drive on winter roads, you should have the oil changed in your car and have all of the other fluids checked. Any other fluids that are low should be topped off. One of the most important fluids during winter is windshield washer fluid because it contains alcohol that will help to melt snow and ice off of your windshield. You should always carry a spare bottle of windshield washer fluid in your trunk in case you get stuck somewhere and happen to run out of it.

Tip: Always Carry Tire Chains and Know How to Install Them

Finally, when driving in the snow and ice, you should always carry tire chains that properly fit your vehicle. And the time to learn how to put the chains on your car is not during a storm when you need them. Before heading out, do a dry run and install your chains to make sure that you know the proper technique to do so. If you get stuck in a snow storm and need to install your car's chains, you will be glad that you learned how to do it when the ground was dry.

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