This
winter has been particularly harsh in many areas of the United
States. Unfortunately it’s not over yet and this means there are
still several weeks of winter driving remaining.
If you have winter tires installed and monitor your tire pressure, you’re taking care of the fundamentals – and best suited to handle the variety of conditions you might face before winter yields to spring. If you did not properly prepare for winter driving, there are still some routine items that can help you make it through the remainder of the season.
Tire pressure – Tires lose pressure in cold temperatures. When you look at your tires, they may appear to be adequately inflated, but looks can be deceiving. Even a ten-degree drop in the air temperature can make a big difference: tires can lose a pound or more of pressure per square inch with even these minor fluctuations in temperature.
Braking and spinning – Be prepared for adverse conditions. Braking can be especially tricky in wintry conditions. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends the following: “Accelerate gently. Turn gradually. Easy on the brakes when stopping.” Unfortunately, winter conditions can cause vehicles to get stuck in snow. The RMA advises against spinning the tires too fast because if they become too overheated, they can explode. The organization recommends “rocking your vehicle gently back and forth.” For vehicles that have ABS brakes, RMA recommends that drivers follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Your vehicle – When you put winter tires on your vehicle, you should prepare the other parts of your car for winter weather, as well. The Car Care Council offers a checklist for winterizing your vehicle, including caring for the cooling system, heaters, defrosters, wipers, battery, oil, filter, brakes, exhaust, and lights. Since many of these items are basic vehicle maintenance, it’s never too late to get them done.
Bumps in the road – Snow can obscure a lot. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds motorists to reduce speed when approaching a pothole or other obstacle and to avoid hitting the curb. However, snow drifts or even a thick layer of snow can cover a variety of potential problems, such as potholes, bumps, or debris. Even a curb can pose a problem, especially if the driver cannot see it and hits it while parking the vehicle.
Winter driving can be hazardous, unpredictable, and even dangerous. However, you can minimize potential problems if you use winter tires, monitor your tire pressure, and ensure that your tires have good tread and are in the best possible condition.
As a final note, it is important to keep the following advice from the Car Care Council in mind when driving in the winter. “Motorists should also keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, and dry food snacks.”