Because more crashes occur during the winter months than at any other time, AAA is encouraging motorists to prepare for cold weather driving conditions with three main steps - prepare your vehicle; plan your trip and use precaution while on the road. AAA says inclement weather can pose challenges for even the most experienced driver.

Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Have battery and charging system tested to ensure they are fully charged and in good condition.
  • Have brakes checked to make sure they work properly.
  • Have tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous and may suffer damage.
  • Make sure the engine coolant provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you're likely to encounter.
  • Replace worn windshield wipers that streak.

Plan Your Trip

If your plans include travel out of the local area, plan ahead by getting up-to-date, accurate maps and routing information in advance. Make sure the maps include seasonal road closures and provide routing information on main roads over secondary routes since heavily traveled roads are more likely to be cleared or treated first during storms. You can create your own route using the TripTik Travel Planner on AAA.com.

Precautions for Driving

  • Before starting out, remove snow from the entire car so it doesn't blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Make sure mirrors and lights are clean as well.
  • Drive with low-beam headlights illuminated.
  • Don't use cruise control in precipitation and freezing temperatures.
  • Remember four wheel drive helps you to get going quicker, but it won't help stop any faster.
Additional winter weather driving tips are available in AAA's How to Go on Ice and Snow booklet, which can be downloaded here.

 

 

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