Cold weather is upon us. There are many who LOVE this weather. Before trudging into the Arctic splendor, those folks make a mental note of what they need in order to enjoy all it has to offer. Coat…check. Boots…check. Gloves…check. Scarf…check. What about driving in a Winter Wonderland? Have they prepared themselves for what could be a challenging and exciting trek? Is the car ready to go? What if they break down on the trip?
Traveling in the winter weather can be dangerous. Icy roads could put you in a snowbank at 2am with no one around to assist. Cold weather could affect your tires. Following cars could cloud your vision. Your heat could stop working. I could go on, but let us look at some things you should do before driving in the cold weather:
- Service your radiator system or check it with an antifreeze tester. Make sure the system is ready for the cold weather.
- Check your windshield-wiper fluid. Do you still have the “summertime” mix? Make sure it is ready for winter. There are “wintertime” mixes that can protect as low as -30oF.
- Check your tires. Is there still tread? If not, replace them. Are they underinflated or almost exactly where they need to be (typically between 30-35psi)? Colder temperatures will make the tire pressure drop. Make sure they are up to pressure.
- Check your gas. How much is in your tank? Keep your gas tank near full to lessen the chance of ice buildup.
- Make sure stuff works. When is the last time you pushed / pulled all of the buttons, flipped all the switches, or turned all of the knobs? Check the important ones:
- Heater. Does it put out heat?
- Defroster. Does it turn on? Does it defrost the windows?
- Ignition. Does it work?
- Emergency flashers. Do they work in the front of the car AND the back?
- Check other items. What other items need to be in good condition to make sure you are safe? Here are a few more:
- Brakes. When was the last time you had them serviced?
- Brake fluid. Is there enough fluid (or maybe too much)?
- Exhaust. Can you smell exhaust on a calm day, when sitting still? Can you see it coming out from a spot that it should not?
- Battery. Is there at least 12 Volts (or will it turn over the engine like normal)?
Not only should we keep our vehicle ready for winter driving, we should also think of things to keep inside of that vehicle for emergencies, such as an Emergency Kit. Your kit could be a lifesaver if you get stranded on the road during the winter weather.
Just as rosy cheeks are
visible when we shovel snow and fingers and toes can get cold
when not wearing the right stuff, if you and your car are not ready for what
Old Man Winter throws at you, chaos is what it will be.
Learn more ways to
prepare your family for winter weather by reading our Winter Safety Guide.
Visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/news_letters/WinterSafetyGuide2021.pdf to learn more.
Mark Lafountain
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Clinton County Health Department
