Taking a few precautions and getting a quick refresher on the basics of winter driving could help keep you and your family safe on the road throughout the season. PREPARE YOUR CAR An important step is making sure that your car is in proper working order, as potential problems have a tendency to become actual problems at the worst time. So here’s a list of things for you or your mechanic to check: Battery/alternator – Recharge a weak battery or replace it with one rated at or above 600 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). Heating/Cooling System – Check hoses for leaks or cracks and be sure your anti-freeze is strong enough to protect your engine. Brakes – Have them inspected and serviced as needed. Lights – Check that all lights are working and properly aimed. Wipers and washer fluid – Be sure to use non-freezing washer solution. Spare Tire – Keep your spare tire properly inflated and make sure you have a jack and lug wrench. COMMON SENSE AND CAUTION Once your car is ready, it’s time to prepare the driver. Both novice and experienced winter drivers should keep these basic rules in mind during bad weather: If you don’t have to travel, don’t. During any winter weather, you’re far safer at home. If you must go out, plan ahead. Leave yourself plenty of extra travel time and try to keep to the main roads. Keep it slow! It’s the single most important advice to remember, because in ice and snow, traction and visibility are greatly reduced. Give yourself more room. By increasing your following distance to other cars, you give yourself the time you need to react without losing control. Avoid sudden moves. Accelerate slowly, brake gently and turn smoothly to help your tires stick to the road. Practice. Spend some time in an empty parking lot after a snowfall to get the feel of how your car handles in slippery conditions. Wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense in case of an accident. STOCK UP FOR EMERGENCIES Even if you avoid having an accident in bad weather, you can still end up in trouble on the road. And there’s nothing worse than being unprepared in case your car breaks down or gets stuck in the snow. So make sure you have some or all of these items on hand: Blanket, flashlight, non-perishable snacks, warm clothes and gloves, ice scraper, snow brush, sand, salt or kitty litter for traction, tire chains or traction mats, jumper cables, emergency markers or flares, shovel and first aid kit.

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