Get Ready for Winter Driving

Stay safe in the ice and snow by planning ahead, driving with care

Get ready by “winterizing” your car.

• Electrical system—including battery, ignition wires and lights.
• Tires—Make sure they’re in good condition and sufficiently inflated (cold temperatures reduce tire pressure).
• Brakes—Keep up regular maintenance checks so they’re functioning well.
• Heating system—especially coolant/ antifreeze level.
• Windshield wipers—Replace blades that streak and use non-freezing windshield washer fluid.
• Emergency supplies —Keep sand, shovel, brush, flashlight, towels, blanket, gloves, warning flares or triangles, jumper cables and cell phone in the car.

• Clean all snow and ice from the hood, roof, trunk and lights before setting out.
• Keep the gas tank at least half-filled to prevent gas line freezing.
• Never leave your car unattended when warming it up.
• Never warm up a car in a closed garage, which traps deadly fumes.
• Wear seatbelts and use child car seats and boosters.

• Allow more time to get where you’re going, and listen to warnings on radio and television.
• Drive slowly.
• Allow extra distance between you and other cars.
• If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go.
• If you have antilock brakes, apply gentle pressure; do not pump them.
• If possible, avoid using the parking brake. You may not be able to release it if it freezes.
• Do not use cruise control.

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