11-24-2024 10:00pm

TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING WINTER WEATHER

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo via Pexels.com

Contributed by Game Day Communications

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Winter weather can cause car trouble and unsafe driving conditions, but drivers can stay safe on the roads with these ten winter travel tips from Tire Discounters.

Keep at least 1/4 tank of gas in your car. Low fuel levels can freeze within the tank. It also allows you to run your car heater while stuck in traffic or waiting for roadside assistance.
Check tire pressure and tread. Tire pressure drops, on average, one to two PSI for every 10 degrees. Proper tire pressure is a crucial element of driver safety, affecting traction, cornering, and braking.
In cold conditions, warm up the car before you drive it. If your car is in a garage, open the garage door.
Get your coolant checked to prevent freezing and damage to the engine.
Test your battery. Battery power drops with the temperature. Stop by your neighborhood Tire Discounters store for a free battery check.
Check wiper blades. Wipers typically need to be replaced about every six months, and ice can accelerate wear. Consider winter wiper blades, which won’t freeze to your windshield.
Fill wiper fluid and anti-freeze. During winter months, top off your fluid and keep an extra jug with you.
Keep car washed to keep cameras and sensors for safety systems functioning properly to allow assistive-driving features to work.
Check the air filter. Air filters can last from 15,000-30,000 miles, and if you drive in areas with lots of dirt roads or construction, you might need to get a new filter more frequently. A clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage, horsepower and can accelerate engine wear. It’s also a good idea to check your cabin air filter for cleaner air and better HVAC performance.
Pack an emergency kit. Include warm clothes, non-perishable food, jumper cables, mini air pump, flares, gloves, a blanket, a first aid kit and a phone charger in case you get stranded. A shovel is also handy to dig out of snow if necessary.