Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Tips To Help You and Your Vehicle Make it Safely through Winter
Slippery streets, snow, sleet and ice. All potential hazardous winter road conditions. Here are some tips to keep you safe during the winter season.
At the beginning of each extreme season, summer and winter, it's a good idea to make sure your car is in top running condition to reduce your chances of getting stranded. It's also important to keep your vehicle stocked with proper supplies in case you do.
It only takes a little time to inspect the essential maintenance items on your vehicle. It's a crucial step many of us let go and regret later. And if the task is overwhelming or something more complicated than your expertise, have a reputable expert do it for you. The National Safety Council has a basic checklist to guide you if you give your car a check-up yourself.
Your Vehicle's Must-Haves
At all times, it is important to keep a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack, tool kit and jumper cables in your car. If possible, tow and tire chains and a bag of salt or cat litter ( to use for weight and to help you remove a stuck vehicle) are a good idea too.
- Keep your tank full of gas at all times
- Check brakes, wiring, hoses, adjusting spark plugs and fan belts.
- Air, fuel and emission filters
- Inspect the battery.
- Inspect tires for air, wear and tread depth.
- Keep fluid levels full, especially antifreeze and wiper fluids.
Your Must-Haves
In case you get stuck, there are essential things to keep in your car to help until you get out. Make sure to replenish and restock your supplies, keeping things up-to-date
A good winter driving survival kit should include:
- Working flashlight, extra batteries
- Brightly colored cloth
- Reflective triangles and/or flares (available online or through auto supply stores)
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper and window brush, window cleaner
- Matches (in a waterproof container)
- Scissors
- Rope or string
- Small shovel
- Blanket, extra gloves, hats and socks
- Nuts, hard candy, dried fruit, a small supply of high energy, non-perishable food
- Keep clothing and food in waterproof storage bags
- Bottles of water
Public Safety Canada has an easy to use, printable Emergency Car Kit online.
Know What To Expect
Having your car winterized and full of supplies is important , but so is being aware of what the weather will be doing where you are traveling. According to the National Safety Council, extreme weather, cold or hot, affects driving conditions and takes consideration and preparedness in advance to avoid potential hazards. Check the forecast before heading out, even on short trips.
If You Become Stranded
Taking well-traveled routes is a good safety principal under normal conditions. But if you do get stuck, never leave your car unless you know how far you are from possible help and are sure you can reach help. Get noticed. Place flares at the front and back of the car, a safe distance away and hang your brightly colored cloth at the top of your vehicle.
Also, make sure your car's exhaust pipe is not blocked and run the engine to heat your car for 10 minutes, every hour or so, to conserve gas. Use your extra clothing and blankets to stay warm. Fresh air is important, so keep a window open just a bit. This will also avoid being sealed inside your car by heavy snow or ice. Ration your food and water in case rescue takes awhile.
So take those few minutes to give your car a once-over and stock up on basic survival supplies. Hopefully you'll never need to use them. But it's better to have them and not need them then the other way around.
