5 Steps to Preparing Your Vehicle for Safe Winter Driving

As you would prepare your household for colder weather by airing out the winter coats, it’s equally as important to ensure the car is ready to face the frost. Apart from carrying around a scraper and perhaps even salt, it’s also important to look at other features of the car. Follow these tips for safe winter driving.

Bring Out the Snow Tires

Those who live in areas prone to snow should have their supply of snow tires on hand. All-season tires may also do the trick, but when it comes to those deep snow trenches, the snow tire provides the best grip. These tires are specifically designed to work with the snow in order to gain some grip. They feature far different grooves than ordinary tires. Also, drivers need to go with a reliable brand to ensure they don’t end up with inferior or brittle tires.

Put Together a Winter Supply Box

The winter supply box is a good investment for any car owner in frosty territory. The obvious flashlights and flares aside, there are a number of items to add to this box to make the car winter-safe. A few warm blankets, a change of warm clothes and a few pairs of gloves will make a substantial difference on a cold day. Add some sand and high-energy snacks to the mix.

Snow Chains Are A Must

Chains are critical in areas that receive a lot of snow, as ice is usually a danger during the winter months too. These chains can prove invaluable to get out of a tricky situation and will also give the driver peace of mind that they may have a way out of their slippery situation. In fact, in many states this is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of drivers on the roads.

Plan Routes to Avoid High Danger Areas

Those who live in the colder states are bound to encounter ice and snow wherever they are, but some areas are just a bit more dangerous than others. These include mountain passes and other hilly areas. Drivers could also find it difficult to get help on isolated stretches of road. Busy, well-maintained routes are the best options for drivers to ensure their safety.

Water and Coolant Levels

Coolant is not just an important addition to keep the engine cool during those hot summer months. It is also a vital addition to the engine during winter months to keep the liquids from freezing over. The most common solution is a mixture of antifreeze and water. Test kits will allow consumers to test whether they have the correct ratios of antifreeze and water to keep the engine safe.

Other important winter safety tricks that will make a vehicle the ideal mode of transport is to check the interior. Consumers should check to see if there is any unnecessary exposure to the outdoor elements from rust damage or doors that no longer seal properly.The heating system and vents are also worth a check before the winter season starts.

Preparing your car for cold weather takes a bit of extra effort, but it will keep you and your passengers safe and cozy.

Image via Pixabay

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