Winter is Coming…
It’s not the Battle of Winterfell, though. As the fall winds down, it’s time to think about car maintenance, road safety, and ways to avoid injury. The warmer temperatures in the fall make it the perfect time to check supplies and fix any car related issues before the bad weather comes. Winter is Coming…don’t be stuck out in the cold! Below are six tips to avoid injury on the road this winter!
1. Is your car making strange noises? Car windows not working? Lightbulbs out? The check engine light is on? If you’ve noticed problems with your car, don’t wait to resolve them in the deep snows of late January. Get to an auto supplies store to pick up the necessary parts or make an appointment with your auto body shop to address car issues.
2. Make sure that your tires are road worthy for snow and ice. Check your tread depth and air pressure. Just because your semi-worn tires passed inspection, doesn’t mean that they will stop you from sliding around in the slush and ice on the roads.
3. Stock up on antifreeze. This substance will keep your engine from freezing and stranding you on the highway. Antifreeze is sold at your local auto parts store and is easy to apply. You can check your antifreeze levels by consulting your driver’s manual.
4. Consider a membership with a roadside assistance service. Membership can be a lifesaver while on the road. When your car breaks down, your battery dies, or you have a flat tire, these services will instantly connect you to car repairmen near your location, across all 50 states. Help usually arrives on a timely basis, and, unless the repairs are very challenging, the repairs are made while you wait.
5. Create a winter supply kit for your vehicle. Include items such as shovels, flares, sand (or kitty litter), a flashlight, maps, an extra cell phone, radio, protein snacks, blankets, a change of clothes, and water.
6. Use good judgment when driving. If the conditions are icy and the roads seem impassable, consider staying home. Even if your car is roadworthy, the most experienced drivers can still have problems. If you have to be out on the road, stay on the main plowed roads. Back roads are rarely passable during major snow storms as they are often plowed and treated last by road crews.
While this list is not exhaustive, it is designed to help you plan ahead and make your to-do lists. Putting in the effort to address car issues and prepare for winter weather will save time, stress, and sanity during a major snow event. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision. You can read more about our work on motor vehicle collisions here. Safe travels!
Credit: mtcave.blogspot.com