As temperatures drop, ensure your vehicle—and you—are equipped to handle the roads.
Even in Texas, severe winter weather can strike at any time, bringing ice, sleet and snow. Driving in such conditions is ill-advised at best and could be downright dangerous. Check the weather before venturing out, and if the roads are unsafe, consider postponing your travel.
Follow these tips to stay safe while driving this winter.
Check Your Car
It’s important to have a mechanic check the condition of the following vehicle systems before winter, when you could be heading out on treacherous roads.
Brakes: These should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that the brake fluid is at the proper level.
Engine-cooling system: Ensure a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.
Electrical system: Check the ignition system, and make sure the battery is fully charged and connections are clean. Verify that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension.
Exhaust system: Have a professional inspect the exhaust for leaks and that all connections, clamps and hangers are snug.
Tires: Check for proper tread depth and signs of damage or uneven wear. Inflate to recommended levels.
Oil: Make sure the oil is at the proper level.
Visibility: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window) and wipers. Install winter wiper blades.
Be Prepared
The National Safety Council recommends having these items in your car for winter driving.
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow and tire chains
- Bag of cat litter for better tire traction
- Tool kit
- Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles or flares
- Compass
- First-aid kit
- Windshield washer fluid
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string or cord
- Car charger for your cellphone
- Nonperishable, high-energy foods like unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
- Warm clothing
AAA Offers More Winter Driving Tips
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Do not use cruise control in wintry conditions.
- Drive slowly.
- Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
- If visibility is severely limited due to a whiteout, pull off the road and don’t attempt to drive farther until conditions improve.
- Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
- Increase following distance to 8–10 seconds.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
- If possible, don’t stop when going uphill.
- Signal distress with a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna or in a rolled-up window.
