Tips for Safe Winter Driving

From icy and slippery roads to limited visibility, driving in the winter on snow and ice presents so many challenges and drastically increases the risk of being involved in a weather-related crash. Forty-one percent of all weather-related car crashes on U.S. roads are due to conditions involving snow, sleet, ice, and slush. That’s pretty sobering when you consider that those conditions usually exist during just a few months of the year. Accidents caused by winter weather result in 150,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths each year, on average, according to a study by the Federal Highway Administration. Keep you and your family safe. Safe driving should be your primary concern in winter driving conditions.

Let's take a look at some of the things that can make this winter a safer and more enjoyable driving experience for you and your family.

As much of an impact as winter weather has on accidents, cars that aren't maintained caused even more accidents than the weather. Driving a vehicle on snowy, icy roads is a recipe for disaster if it's not running right. Some of the most important maintenance items to check on your car are your tires, brakes, wiper blades, and batteries. When it comes to tires, it’s important to make sure that your tires have adequate tread on them for winter driving. Consumer Reports’ tests show that when roads get nasty, snow tires easily outperform most all-season tires. Engineered specifically for winter driving, snow tires tend to have a deeper tread to grip snow, plus rubber compounds designed to remain pliable in the cold.

You never plan on getting in an accident, but a winter car safety kit will have you covered in the case of an emergency. Stock yours with non-perishable food, water, blankets, a first aid kit and flashlight at the bare minimum.

Cleaning the snow completely off your car is the law in most states and for a good reason. It’s dangerous to drive a car that isn’t cleaned off. Along with sweeping and scraping all of your windows, it’s also very important to make sure that you clear snow and ice off of your headlights and taillights as well so that you are able to let other drivers know if you are turning or braking.

Traction is the name of the game when you hit the roads this winter and your tires are a key factor. When the snow starts to fall and the ice starts to build up, be sure to check your tires. Check tread depth with the penny test and ensure that your tire pressure is at the correct levels. Consider a set of snow tires to improve traction and winter driving if you drive long distances on a regular basis.

Icy, snowy roads are covered with salt and sand to help provide traction to cars, but when that salt, sand, and snow get on your windshield, it becomes very difficult to see and impossible to get off your windshield. Don’t just add water, make sure to use winter-grade windshield washer fluid that is formulated for coldest and most extreme conditions. While you're at it, top off your gas tank so you'll be sure to have enough gas to reach your destination. If you get stuck, a full tank also means you can run your engine and heater longer.

Always check the weather forecast before you head out this winter. When weather gets extreme and officials advise you to stay inside, it may be a good time to take a vacation day or work from home. If you have to leave the house, be prepared for winter driving with warm winter clothes, a winter emergency kit including water, and make sure your car is warmed up and cleared of all snow and ice.

Tire pressure can drop with the air temperature, losing up to one pound per square inch with every ten degree drop in air temperature. Driving with low tire pressure could mean premature tire wear or potential tread separation, which can lead to an accident. Along with that risk, your car handles less predictably with underinflated tires. When you check your tire pressure and find that one or more of your tires are low on air, fill them at a gas station air pump.

In the winter the sun sets earlier in the day, which means there’s less daylight, especially on your commute home. Check your vehicle's lights often to make sure they're in good working order, and as bright as possible. If a bulb is out, replace it as soon as possible. If your headlights are foggy or yellow, consider replacing them for best visibility.

It's more difficult for a battery to operate in cold weather than it is for a battery to operate in warm weather. As a result, a battery that’s weak in the summer could turn into a dead battery during the winter. Don't let this happen to you. Have our Frenchies Chevrolet Service Department check your vehicle so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded in a cold parking lot with a car that won’t start.

Maybe the most important tip for safe winter driving — SLOW DOWN! When snow and ice accumulate, the roads can become treacherous very quickly. Give yourself more time and distance to accelerate and brake. Make sure you have enough distance between yourself and traffic and try to avoid quick, sudden movements.

Before you head out, make sure your car isn’t low on antifreeze. Be sure to check to see that there aren’t any leaks in your vehicle’s engine that could cause the antifreeze to drain out. Many mechanics recommend drivers use a 50/50-mix of coolant and water in their radiator. This blend usually results in a lower engine freezing point than just coolant, but check with our service department to be on the safe side.

Days are shorter in the winter, so it's important to make sure your lights are working properly and you are using them when driving. Make sure to clean your lights for maximum visibility and especially when it's snowing, you should turn on your lights to show other motorists where you are.

One of the easiest and cheapest precautions you can take when traveling in winter is to let friends and family know when you will be leaving, the route you plan to take, and when they should expect you to arrive. In the event of being stranded with no cell phone reception, people will at least have an idea of where you are and be able to send help.

Frenchies Chevrolet wants to make sure you have a safe and uneventful winter when it comes to driving this year. If you have any questions about your vehicle, or to schedule a winter maintenance check-up, give us a call.