Keeping it safe this winter

Winter weather brings all sorts of difficult driving conditions.

For some young drivers, this winter might be the first time on the roads covered in snow and ice.

Regardless of the weather conditions, keeping your car in tip-top shape is very important.

Before harsh weather strikes, preparing your car to handle these challenging conditions is best. The Passport To Safe Driving, created with our partner, The National Road Safety Foundation, is a fantastic resource for new drivers and their parents/trusted adults. The “Weather the Weather” card contains some great tips.

When it comes to driving safely, three things you should always keep in mind are visibility, road conditions that affect car handling, and vehicle performance.

It is essential to see and be seen. Let’s start by LOOKING at our windshield. Is it clean without streaks and dirt? Do we have enough washer fluid, and is it the correct type for freezing temperatures? What about the wipers? Have they been replaced within a year? Does either wiper have splitting or cracks? If so, they need replacement.

Now, let’s check our lights. Are they clean and functioning? Have a buddy help you check them by standing outside the car as you operate them. Turn on the low beams, then high beams, and front turn signals. Have your buddy check out the lights from the rear as well. Engage both turn signals and brake lights. If any lights are not working, get them replaced immediately. Check these monthly.

Car handling is affected by poor tire maintenance. Let’s start a trend by checking out our tread! Is it deep enough? Get a quarter out of your piggy bank. Turn it upside down with George’s head facing you. Place it in the grooves of the tire (the tread). Can you see any part of his face? If so, you’ll need to replace the tires to maintain full control of the car in wet or snowy road conditions.

Another essential check is tire inflation. Is there enough air in the tire? Use a tire gauge to measure air pressure's PSI (pounds per square inch). Check your owner’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door to see the magical number for your vehicle type (usually between 32-35). Proper tread depth and inflation work together to help your tires do their job in maintaining traction (the way they grip the surface). This traction allows us to steer the car in the direction we want the car to go. Also, if the tread or inflation are not where they should be, a tire blowout can happen—performing a tire check monthly and before long road trips are best.

We also want our car to work the way we need it to. Like our bodies need hydration and food to function, so does our engine to achieve optimal vehicle performance. The car’s fluid levels need to be checked, so we should do this at least monthly. Do you know how to check the oil level? Ask a friend or trusted adult to show you how, or look in the owner’s manual for instructions. Your oil is your car’s hydration. It is a necessity. It keeps all the moving parts (and there are more than you think!) working easily. While you are at it, check the coolant level in the radiator. Ensure the fluid is clean and the thickness (viscosity) is proper for cold weather. An engine can overheat, even in colder temps! The coolant’s job is to prevent this. If the transmission and brake fluids are accessible, also check these levels. If any of these fluids are not at the proper level, a breakdown can happen, possibly leaving you stranded in cold weather.

There are a few more things to consider. Do not ignore your battery. Have the charge checked before cold weather hits. If the charge is low, replace the battery. One final question. Do you know the most common ‘breakdown’ new drivers will experience? Running out of gas! The final fluid on our checklist is the fuel level. Check that gas gauge every time you get in the car. Always keep it at least half full (or half empty for our non-optimists!) to keep the fuel lines from freezing, which will hinder the engine’s ability to start!

If you take care of your car, your car will care for you. Making safe decisions will keep you, as well as other drivers, safe on the road. Be safe out there!

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No matter how well you take care of your car, breakdowns can occur. Our partners at State Farm remind you to pack your trunk with an emergency kit if you experience issues on the road one. You can check out some of their preparedness tips here.