Safe Driving in Inclement Weather - By: Kristin Kronstain

The winter is the worst time for inclement weather, especially in Northern areas of the United States, such as Western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh, PA is known for its rough winters. Safe driving practices should always be employed when driving, but especially so during the cold winter months where snow and ice make driving hazardous. Safe driving is a conscious decision that every driver needs to make. Part of safe driving new or used cars and trucks includes keeping them properly maintained. If youâ€™re driving an older car, it is more likely that you could end up broken down on the side of the road in the freezing cold. However, if you keep up with the maintenance, you can make your old car safer for driving.

Over the winter, our natural inclination is to just stay inside out of the cold. Weâ€™re less likely to take care of routine things like checking antifreeze or oil. If we keep up with these basic service needs during the winter, our cars will be more likely to run better and save us from getting stranded in a snowstorm. Here are some good maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Check Your Brakes

A carâ€™s brakes need to be in good working order during the winter to keep you safe. Sliding over the ice is quite common, especially with smaller cars, and can be even more dangerous when your brakes are shot. When something unexpected happens on the highway, you need to have the ability to stop suddenly. When the road is slushy or icy, this can be difficult. If your brake pads are worn or your brakes arenâ€™t functioning properly, you could end up careening into the car in front of you.

Check Your Antifreeze

Coolant is just as important in the winter months as it is in the summer. Antifreeze prevents your engine from overheating and is a vital part to keeping your car running well. Antifreeze is actually combined with water. If the proportions are not even and you have more water than antifreeze, you could damage your engine.

Check Your Tires

The tread on your tires helps your car from sliding across snowy and icy roads. Over time, the tread becomes worn from use, so you must be conscious during the winter months of how much tread is left. During the winter, 1/8â€ is a general standard of depth for your tread to ensure safe driving. This will greatly help you from getting into an accident or sliding into a ditch. Also, make sure to check your tire pressure periodically. In the cold, the air in your tires compresses and can often make tires a bit flat. Many gas stations offer free air, so take the time to add some air to your tires when necessary.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers also get worn down over time as they fight to keep your view free from rain, sleet, snow, and ice. Windshield wipers are vital for giving you clear vision despite the weather. If your windshield wipers donâ€™t seem to be doing the job for you, you need to either slow down or check your windshield washer fluid. If the washer fluid is low or out, your windshield wipers will not be able to do an efficient job cleaning off your windshield. Unlike antifreeze, however, water does not mix with or substitute for washer fluid. Cold weather will cause the water to freeze on your windshield rather than clean it.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full

Have you ever thought you still had a quarter tank of gas left in your car, but after you come out of work, the gas light is on? If your car is low on gas, what is left in the tank can freeze. Then youâ€™ll really be stuck, stranded somewhere. Save yourself some anxiety and potential danger by making sure to keep your gas tank full.

Keep Track of Your Carâ€™s Maintenance

Time often escapes us in our busy lives. We think we may have just had an oil change, but really, that was 10 months ago. How do you keep all your carâ€™s maintenance needs in order? Keep a log or journal to track the dates, expenses, and maintenance history for your car. This way, you can be sure about what was done and estimate when you need to have more work done in the future. Always make sure your battery is working well, your spark plug wires are functioning, and you are not low on engine oil. These are routinely checked when you have your oil changed.

A snowy, icy day is the worst time for an accident. While accidents are never well-timed, in the winter, accidents are more likely to happen, can cause injury more easily, and more difficult for medical help to get to. Stay safe during the winter by driving slowly and keeping your car properly maintained.

About the Author

Greensburg Toyota offers a wide selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Visit Greensburg Toyota to test drive a weather ready truck or a low gas mileage hybrid vehicle today.

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