When winter comes, a lot of drivers panic and some even get so scared that they don’t start their cars until spring. In fact, winter driving can be dangerous and scary, especially if you are a new driver.
Winter driving should be approached differently than summer driving, but if you follow a few basic steps and rules, winter driving can be accomplished relatively easily. If you live in a part of the country where winter lasts for several months, these instructions will be helpful. Remember, winter driving should be treated differently than summer driving, but things aren’t as scary as you might think.
First, before the cold season arrives, you should do a complete inspection of the car to make sure it is ready to face the winter. For example, check that you have winter tires (this is one of the most important steps to take when winter arrives, as your safety and car performance are directly related to the condition of your tyres). Therefore, buying special winter tires is essential if you want your car to be able to drive in snow and on icy surfaces.
It is very important to ensure that the tire treads are wide and deep to allow for all types of snow. Certain types of snow are more prone to ‘packing up’ and proving some types of tires essentially useless (summer tires are virtually ineffective in snow or cold weather). While tires are among the most important items when it comes to ease of winter driving, other parts of the car should be inspected as well. You should check the car’s oil and servo fluids to make sure they don’t have a problem coping with cold winter temperatures.
Having a winter emergency kit can be essential to get through winter without a hitch. If you’re stuck due to car failure somewhere near a busy highway, someone may stop to give you assistance. But if you’re in the middle of nowhere and don’t have cell phone coverage, such an emergency kit could save your life.
When creating the kit, there are several things that you should not forget. The essentials for the kit include some extra hats and gloves for your passengers. A first aid kit is also essential in case of injury.
When driving in winter, a bag of sand, kitty litter, and a bag or two of salt to spread on the ground if any of your tires don’t have traction are also things to buy before you head out of town. Some other important things to include in your emergency kit are a flashlight, some matches (in case you have to start a fire), some flares if you can find them to signal to others that you are in danger. Also, before you start your journey, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, so you can have enough battery to call rescue teams. Also make sure your gas tanks are full, as you may need to keep the engine running to keep the interior of the car warm if you get stuck.
These things may sound scary, but it’s best to be prepared for the worst when it comes to winter driving so you can make it a safe trip. You may not need all of the above things for yourself, but you can also use them to help others who are stuck in deep snow.