UPDATE, Dec. 16 / Snow is forecast to start this evening, Fri., Dec. 16, followed by sleet or freezing rain Saturday morning that again will turn to snow as temperatures drop. Snow showers are expected again Sunday with wind chills dipping to 20 degrees below zero. Bundle up!
Columnist Julie Smith was correct regarding her advice to winterize vehicles.
The air pressure tire alert came on in our car as it must have in a gazillion other vehicles earlier this week. After a six-hour wait, our tires were rotated and filled with more air, and the car was ready to go again.
Be extra cautious on the snow and ice. Remind young drivers experiencing their first winter season of the potential hazards of black ice and white outs.
Nov. 12, 2016 / I hate to be doom and gloom, but Old Man Winter will be here before we know it. Preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter conditions before it is upon us is essential. The following are some tips to help you prepare for winter driving.
First, winterize your car. Check all systems including fluids, brakes, tire pressure, and tread.
Don’t forget your battery. Cold temperatures mean you engine needs more current for the battery to start, so it often goes dead in colder temperatures.
As temperatures start to dip, keep you gas tank filled to at least half full. Cold weather can cause condensation to form in an empty or near empty gas tank. The water then makes its way to your fuel lines where it can freeze and block the flow of gas.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, as these will always be the first to freeze. Even at temperatures above freezing, you may experience ice or “black ice.” Black ice is when a thin coating of glaze ice is on the surface of the road that is virtually transparent.
SLOW DOWN and DRIVE SLOWLY. Accelerating, stopping, and turning take longer on snow-covered roads. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids.
Everyone should carry a winter emergency kit in their car. The following are a few suggestions for an emergency kit: flares and reflectors, a shovel, road salt or sand, windshield scraper, water, snack food/energy bars, extra blankets, hats, socks, booster cables, medications, and a first aid kit.
Keep your cell phone fully charged and make sure you have the capabilities to recharge your phone in your vehicle. There are also portable power chargers/emergency cell phone chargers that can add just enough battery life to make a phone call in the event your battery has died.
Be prepared and ready for the winter roads!
