Make Winter Driving Easy with These Tips

Driving in the winter can be dangerous and scary. If you live in a cold climate and encounter snow on a regular basis, this article will prove to be very helpful! Before winter arrives you should have your car inspected to be sure it is ready for the potentially bad road conditions. You can do this yourself or take it to a qualified mechanic. Checking the battery, wipers and fluid, brakes, ignition system, antifreeze levels, lights, oil level, heater and air pressure within the tires will help to keep you safe throughout the winter season.

A good set of tires is essential to get the best traction possible when the road is icy or wet. Many tires around today will be ready for multiple types of weather, but it is important to make sure the tire treads are wide and deep to allow for all snow types. Certain types of snow are more prone to 'packing' and proving some types of tires essentially useless.

If your car is in good working condition, you are still not done. In some situations there is little you can do to prevent drifting off the side of the road and becoming stuck in a ditch. It is times like these when creating an emergency kit in your vehicle can be extremely helpful. If you are stuck, hopefully you are so somewhere where there is still traffic going and someone can pull over to provide assistance; however, if you are out in the middle of nowhere and possibly do not have cell phone coverage, the kit could save your life.

Essentials for the kit include extra hats and gloves for any passengers that may not have them, a first aid kit incase of any injuries incurred while getting stuck, a bag of sand or kitty litter to spread on the ground if any of the tires aren't getting any traction, a flashlight with extra batteries in case you become stuck during the night, flares to help wave someone down if visibility conditions are poor, and food and water in case you become stuck for an extended period of time. As mentioned earlier, a phone often becomes an instant best friend when you are stuck. Calling friends or family to help you get out if you are close to home, a tow truck if you are far away, or an ambulance if there are any unfortunate injuries are only a few of the things a cell phone can do for you.

Usually calling someone to help provide assistance will be your best bet to get out if you are stuck. Trying to push a car or truck in deep snow can prove very dangerous especially if the vehicle has not settled all of the way in the snow. A several thousand pound vehicle can easily slide a few inches or several feet as you are pushing it, and it could very easily slide towards you. If you do choose to attempt to push the car free, watch your feet and arms so that tires do not roll over on top of you. Ensuring you have a safe vehicle is good, but your best bet is to go slow, drive safe, and watch the road carefully. Safe Driving!

Tom Tessin is an author for FINDgascards.com that is geared toward people looking to save on gas with a gas credit card.


By Tom Tessin