Make Sure You’re Prepared for Winter Driving

It’s that time of year once again, with winter fast approaching and snow and ice right along with it. Sure it looks beautiful, but it’s also treacherous when you’re behind the wheel. Rough winter weather doesn’t have to trap you indoors, however, as long as you’re prepared and make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold and everything that comes with it. Looking for good winter tires near you is a great start and one of the most important ways you can ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle snow, slush, and ice on the road. That’s not the only thing you need to check that you’re equipped with, however, so let’s take a look at how to get your car ready for winter driving so you and your loved ones can get where you’re going safely.

Start With the Tires

If you only do one thing we talk about here (please don’t just do one thing, it’s all important), then it should be this: make sure you have the right tires on your vehicle. All-season tires sound like they should be perfect for all seasons, but in reality, they’re only good for all seasons in places where it doesn’t snow more than a couple of inches in the winter. Here in Ohio, you can’t rely on them in the winter because they’re simply not made to handle the kinds of chills and snowfall levels we can deal with, even here in the Cincinnati area.

Tires work best when they’re soft and pliable, so they can deform while you drive to hug and grip the road, giving you optimal traction to keep you in control. When the temperature drops, however, the rubber in tires becomes hard and brittle, reducing their grip and your control behind the wheel. Winter tires are made using rubber that’s specially formulated to remain as soft and pliable in cold weather as possible. Even if the road is completely dry, when it’s cold out, your winter tires will provide better grip and maneuverability than all-season ones.

Of course, it’s not always dry on the road. Winter tires are also designed to handle slush, snow, and ice better than other types. They have deep grooves that move snow off the road to better ensure your tread makes contact with the pavement, once again helping to keep you in control. You should have winter tires on your vehicle whenever the average temperature starts to stay below 46 degrees. Here in Cincinnati, we recommend using winter tires from November through March most years.

Other Things to Check on Your Car

Your tires are only part of the equation when it comes to getting your vehicle ready for the winter, however, so don’t stop there. As the temperature starts to drop, so does the power of your battery, so get your battery tested to make sure it’s in good shape as it starts getting colder. You should also make sure your vehicle’s cooling system is working properly and check all of the fluid levels, including antifreeze and your windshield washer fluid. Make sure the fluid is for cold weather. This is also a good time to check your windshield wiper blades for any cracking, damage, or wear, and change them out if needed so they can help with removing light slush and snow.

It’s a good idea to keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter months to help prevent the gas line from freezing and so you don’t accidentally get stranded somewhere. While you won’t need chains on your tires all of the time, here in Ohio, they can legally be used when necessary due to intense snow and ice. It’s a good idea to have a set of chains that you keep in your trunk, just in case you have to run out after a bad storm or if you’re taking a trip to go camping up the mountains. In other words: just be prepared.

Emergency Supplies

You should always have emergency supplies in your vehicle, especially if you have an SUV with a large rear cargo area, but it’s even more important in the winter. It’s a good idea to make sure you have some bottles of water, some snacks that won’t spoil or go bad (mixed nuts are great for this), and some warm blankets. We suggest keeping a change of warm socks in your vehicle, too, just in case your socks get wet, as well as some extra pairs of gloves, warm scarves, and a snow scraper for winter weather. We would also suggest keeping a candle (or some tealights) and matches, as these can provide heat and a small amount of light if you are stranded in bad weather.

This is also a great time to check that you have a first aid kit in your vehicle and that it’s properly stocked up. It’s easy to use things up throughout the year or take the kit out and not put it back without realizing it. There are numerous lists available online for what you should have, including bandages, antiseptic ointment, and some non-prescription painkillers. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency supply of any critical prescription medications you need, just in case you get stuck in your vehicle somewhere.

Before You Get Behind the Wheel

Before you get into your vehicle, make sure it is clear of any snow, slush, or ice buildup on it, especially on any of the windows you need to be able to see through. We know it’s a pain to scrape off ice and snow, but it really is essential to having a safe experience on the road with proper visibility. This includes any snow on the top of your vehicle. We’ve all seen that person who meticulously clears their windshield but leaves the roof covered in snow, only to come to a stop at a red light and have it all slide forward onto their windshield. Or, they get on the highway, and all the snow blows off, blocking the view of all the vehicles behind them. Don’t be that guy.

If you have advanced safety features on your vehicle, then know where the cameras and sensors are for them, and clear them of any snow, too, so they can work properly. It’s always a good idea to let your vehicle warm up a few minutes before you hit the road, but never leave your vehicle running in a garage, even with the door open. You should plan out your route ahead of time, and if it’s unusual for you or off the beaten path (for example, if you’re making a road trip you don’t usually do), then let someone else know where you’re going, the route you’re taking, and when you should reach your destination. This can truly save your life.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If you find yourself in a situation where you get stuck somewhere(for example, if you drive off into an embankment and get stuck in the snow), then it’s important you stay with your vehicle. Do everything you can to make your car visible: keep your dome light on if you can, put bright markers on the outside of your vehicle, and use road flares if you have them. You want to be seen so people can find you. It has a better chance of being found by the side of the road with your large vehicle than you do if you go wandering in dangerously cold temperatures alone.

You can run the engine to warm up your vehicle, but only run it for short times and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or anything else that would block it. Don’t run the engine for long periods of time in order to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Stay in your car, use your emergency blankets and supplies to stay warm and hydrated, and contact someone if you have a signal for your phone. This is where letting someone else know where you’ll be and when can be crucial. If they know you should’ve checked in at a certain time, and you didn’t, then they can let emergency personnel know where to look for you. Just remember to slow down and be safe on the road; if the weather is particularly bad, then it may be best to simply stay home and wait for it to clear.

When the Weather Starts to Get Cold, Be Prepared

Winter is something that many of us here in Ohio are very familiar with. However, even if you have been through years of winter weather with no issues, it never hurts to be prepared. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the change in conditions with winter tires, fully stocked wiper fluid, and fresh wiper blades. Use this time as an opportunity to restock your emergency supplies, and give your vehicle a once-over to identify any potential issues. These simple steps can help you have a safe time cruising through the snow and slush that accompanies winter in Ohio.