Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. Preparing drivers — and vehicles — for winter weather is key. Here are some winter driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Basics:
Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop a vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, drivers should increase their following distance enough so that there is plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of them.
Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside the truck. Snowplows travel slowly, drivers should make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently. If drivers are behind a snowplow, they should stay far enough behind it and use caution when passing the plow.
What to Do in an Emergency:
If a driver is stopped or stalled in wintry weather, they should stay focused on their self and passengers, their vehicle and their surroundings.
Drivers should stay with their vehicle and not overexert their self.
Let vehicles be seen. Drivers should put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Drivers should make sure their exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run their vehicle only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run a vehicle for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Changes Drivers May Notice
Tires:
As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Drivers should make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in the vehicle’s owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame. Do not inflate tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle.
Some other tips:
Inspect tires at least once a month and before long road trips.
It’s best to check the tires when they’re cold, meaning that they have not been driven on for at least three hours.
Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.
An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age. Remember to check for any damage or conditions that may need attention, and the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires; and the spare tire.
If drivers find tire damage, they should take their vehicle to a tire service professional.
Consider installing snow tires, but before buying new tires, visit NHTSA.gov/Tires to review tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System lets drivers compare tire treadwear, traction performance and temperature resistance.
Car Seats:
In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. When a child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around the child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth. Also, drivers need to make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding in the vehicle are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. Go to NHTSA.gov/CarSeat to see NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for a child’s age and size, and check out NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection site, or to get information on virtual inspections.
Batteries:
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Drivers can have a mechanic check their battery, charging system, belts and for any other needed repairs or replacements.
Safety Technologies:
Drivers should become familiar with the safety technologies on their vehicle and how they perform in wintry conditions. They should know whether their vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. If the vehicle has antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If the vehicle does not have antilock brakes, the driver may need to pump the brakes if they feel their wheels starting to lock up. For more information on driver assistance technologies, visit NHTSA.gov/DriverAssistTech.
Floor Mats:
Due to slushy winter conditions, drivers might consider switching out their usual floor mats for thicker material or rubbery ones. Improperly installed floor mats in a vehicle could interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mats. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for the vehicle.
Preparing the Vehicle
Lights:
Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. Be sure to also check trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Windshield Wipers:
Drivers can quickly go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm. Make sure the vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with deicer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers in areas that get a lot of snow and ice.
Cooling System:
Make sure there is enough coolant in the vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See the vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
Drivers may also want to visit their mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.
Before Travel
Stock Vehicle:
Carry items in the vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies motorists might need in an emergency, including: a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper; abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case the vehicle gets stuck in the snow; jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers); blankets for protection from the cold; and a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
Gas Up or Plug It In:
Keep the gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important to keep the battery charged and to minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolyte have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. Minimize battery drain due to heating by keeping the electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging the vehicle in at night during the winter — keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan Route:
Before heading out, make sure to check the weather, road conditions and traffic. Drivers should familiarize their self with directions and maps before leaving — even if using a GPS — and let others know their route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, drivers need to plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check their phone and change drivers or rest if they feel drowsy.
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