Winter driving can be stressful and dangerous if you aren’t used to it or haven’t properly prepared your car for the season. Driving in the winter requires a little more attention and caution than driving in other seasons, and it should be taken seriously if you plan to make it through the winter without an accident. Here are a few things you can do to prepare your car for the cold, wet, slippery and hazardous roads.
Carrying De-icer In Your Trunk or Glove Compartment
A de-icer is any alcohol or other solvent that dissolved into water and causes the solution to have a very low melting temperature. Frost on the windshield and other car glass can be removed or softened simply by applying de-icer. It is dangerous to drive a car without completely defrosting the glass, mostly because it impedes your vision even more in snowy or rainy conditions. Keeping some de-icer on hand (meaning in the car) will really help you in a bind.
Covering the Car With a Plastic Protector
A sheet that entirely covers a car can be indispensable in preserving a vehicle from water, mud, and hail. If it is placed on the car and left overnight, frost will condense and crystallize on the protector rather than the windshield. The underside should be clear unless it already had moisture on it, but it should not be fogged. This can make it much easier to get going in the morning. Instead of rushing to get to work and only scraping the front windshield a little bit, you can simply pull of the cover and have the ability to see through all your windows. This will also protect your car from salt and other eroding substances and help it stay clean longer.
All Terrain Tires
One of the biggest dangers of driving in the winter is slippery roadsthis is how most accidents occur. Tire models exist that have fine treads but of different directions. According to auto experts who specialize in Subaru Outback parts, vertical treads in the center of all terrain tires act as a grip for snow and diagonal treads help to dispel water. Because winter can be wet as well as snowy, these different abilities are useful for safety. Snow tires are only necessary when heavy snow is present or highly likely in an area.
The Garage is Your Friend
Virtually every problem with starting a vehicle in the cold can be averted by keeping it in the garage. Because most garages can only fit a single vehicle, it is important to select which vehicle enjoys protection. The benefits of a garage are higher temperatures than outside, no frost condensation, and no snow. It is also easier to change tires in a garage.
Driving in cold weather and snow can be stressful and most people try to avoid it. However, depending on where you live, this isn’t always a possibility. You can easily prepare for sketchy driving situations by getting the car ready for cold seasons and having all the equipment necessary for navigating your way through snow, ice, or sleet. Preparation is the only way to ease your mind when forced to drive in unpredictable weather.
