Winter Car Care and Driving Tips
The weather outside may be frightful, but you can take steps to help your time on the road be delightful. Before you bundle up and drive off for your favorite winter activity — like sledding or skating or snowman-making — grab a mug of hot cocoa and read over these winter car care and driving tips.
- Be proactive! Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling. Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.
- Prepare for winter emergencies by using your trunk as a storage place for emergency items. Important items to have on hand are: a properly inflated spare tire, an ice scraper, windshield de-icer, a flashlight, a blanket, extra clothes, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Don't forget your cell phone's car charger.
- Winter driving conditions can be dangerous and make stopping difficult. Take care of your tires. Once it gets cold, tire tread and pressure should be checked weekly. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider installing winter tires, which are specially designed to grip slick roads.
- Use common sense during adverse road conditions. Reduce your driving speed and increase your following distance in hazardous winter weather.
- If you get stuck in the snow, don't spin your tires — this can overheat them and possibly cause damage. Use sand, gravel, kitty litter, an asphalt shingle or other gritty item to help your tires gain traction.
Road Trip Tips
Coasting into Spring
Winter Car Care and Driving Tips
Tips for Driving in Wet or Snowy Conditions
Distracted Driving Tips
Biking Tips
Maintaining Your Tire Pressure
Checking Your Tire Treads
Avoiding Accidents
Increasing Your Vehicle's Fuel Economy
Advice for Parents of New Drivers