Unforgiving weather and precarious road conditions can make winter driving stressful at best. But somehow the unexpected always seems to happen to someone else - until it happens to you. Here are some tips for preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.
First, get your vehicle in shape for the season.
1. Do you have good snow tires? Check them for wear, and replace them if necessary. Otherwise, inflate your tires and check them once a week through the season (unless you use nitrogen instead of air, which does not escape as quickly).
2. Check your oil, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels frequently, especially before making a long trip.
3. Keep your gas tank full instead of only refilling when you run out. A full gas tank prevents condensation forming on the inside of the gas tank and causing your gas line to freeze.
Before doing any wintertime driving, clear out your trunk of unnecessary items so that you can make room for and easily find the following:
- Jumper cables, spare tire and car jack. Learn how to use them.
- Snow shovel in case your vehicle gets stuck, and something your tires can get traction on (salt, sand, or kitty litter). Never rev the engine if the wheels are just spinning around, as that will just turn the snow to ice and make it harder to get out. Pour plenty of sand behind the wheels and then slowly press down on the gas.
- Warm blanket and extra winter clothing so that you can stay warm without having to run the engine, if trapped in your vehicle or lost. You're more likely to survive if you stay in the vehicle don't wander out looking for help.
- Drinkable water.
- Duct tape is one of those incredible items with a thousand uses: patch a leaking water hose, create "rope" by twisting long strands of it together, tape your bumper or fender back on, and whatever else you can think of!
- Road flares. Though you may never need them, you'll be glad of them if you do.
- Extra containers of washer fluid and gasoline.
Now that your trunk is stocked, think about the items you might want more easily accessible, perhaps in your glove compartment or under a seat. A first aid kit is vital, as are an ice scraper, candles, waterproof matches or lighter, a flashlight, and a knife or box cutter. Most people nowadays carry a cell phone, but it's a good idea to have a charger in the vehicle and make a habit of charging the phone as you drive.
Next, when planning a trip, you'll want to get as much information as possible about conditions you may encounter. The length of the trip is less important than the type of trip. Breaking down in the middle of a well-traveled urban area during a 12 hour trip is less dangerous than breaking down during a 2 hour drive through icy mountains as night approaches.
1. Consider a membership with AAA, an organization which provides roadside assistance and auto repair.
2. Use an online service such as weather.com to check weather conditions before setting out.
3. Plan out your route, and share it with someone who isn't traveling with you. Let that person know when you depart. That way, if you don't reach your destination, people will have an idea of your location based on your departure time.
A less common problem, but perhaps more unexpected, is an avalanche. Watch for signs and closures, and never ignore them. If you see an avalanche, don't try to drive through it. If you are lucky enough to avoid it, stay in your vehicle. It's very common for one avalanche to be followed by another, and if you get out of your vehicle you'll be unprotected. If possible, report the avalanche immediately and then move your vehicle to the side of the road so snow removal equipment can pass you. If you are unable to avoid being caught in the avalanche, stay in your vehicle, put on your extra warm clothing and turn off your engine. Don't try and climb out - wait for someone to come and rescue you.
Make sure everyone traveling with you knows about the preparations you've taken and where to find everything. To prepare for the worst, it would be useful to learn how to start a fire, how to signal for help using flares or whistles, and how to ration food if necessary.
One never quite expects the unexpected, no matter how many preparations we make. But by keeping your vehicle in good shape, stocking it with these important items, and knowing how to react in case of emergency, you'll be well equipped to drive in the winter.