Your Vehicle and Winter Driving

Winter is nearly upon us, is your car ready for the change of weather? According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are over 6,400,000 vehicle crashes each year and 24 percent of these crashes are weather-related. What kind of weather is the most dangerous? Believe it or not, statistically it is the rain. Because water reduces vehicle traction, maneuverability, as well as visibility - these three in combination can cause problems in rain and almost any kind of bad weather.

What are some things you can do to prepare your car for the highest degree of safety before inclement weather sets in? Here are a handful of items that you can add to your auto service checklist:

• Windshield Wiper Blades - Are your blades working properly. If you rarely use your blades during the summer and live in places where the sun can dry them out, it is most likely that the rubber will harden and the blades will not work as well when you need them. If you live in an area where you expect heavy snow during the winter, you may want to consider switching your blades for snow blades .

• Tires - This is a big one. There are many inspections to be made on your tires before winter sets in. The first is to make sure they are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can reduce the gripping action as the tread won't meet the road surface as it was designed to. If you are in a place where there is a lot of snow or ice, try using tires made just for this kind of weather. Snow and ice tires have a special tread compound and a unique tread design to increase road-gripping abilities.

• Your Shoes - Yes, your shoes. Snow and mud can compound on the bottom of your shoes, which can cause slippery braking. This and when the snow melts off of your shoes and gathers on the floor, can make your floorboard slippery and difficult for you to use your gas, clutch or brake accurately.

• Watch The Braking - If you have driven in ice and snow, this one is problem second nature to you, but so many people forget to retrain themselves and their driving habits during the winter. Avoid harsh use of your brakes while driving. If you need to make an emergency stop in a car equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), firmly press the pedal down and hold it to the floor.
• Coolant - Flush and refill your cooling system as recommended. Check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant periodically.

• Heater and Defroster - Make sure your cars heater and defroster are in good working condition before you have to depend on them. A failed heating system will leave passengers cold, while a broken defroster can dangerously reduce visibility.
• Battery - Nothing worse than getting caught in the cold with a dead battery and we all know how the weather can drain a battery. Before it gets too cold out, hire a technician to check your battery. Only professional equipment can detect weak batteries.

• Stay Prepared - Last, keep a blanket, shovel, flares and some high-energy snacks in the vehicle just in case you get hung up in the snow or cold weather. While it may be warm in your car and warm at the destination you will arrive at, anything can happen, leaving you without heat during your travels. When this happens you want to make sure you have something warm as a backup to wear until help comes.
Take precautions in checking over this list and hopefully your winter driving travels will be safe and warm.