• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

LIGHTS

7 Winter Driving Safety Tips

December 1, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Slippery roads can present a driving hazard, a situation that may be magnified when snow and ice are also present. Take to the road unprepared and you might hit a ski and slam into another car, a utility pole or even run over a pedestrian. Winter tires or chains and four-wheel drive won’t guarantee that you will avoid an accident, but each can make a difference in cold weather driving.

winter driving
Seasonal hazards make winter driving especially risky.

1. Fasten Your Seat Belt

Make a point to fasten your seat belt every time you get behind the wheel of a car. Require vehicle occupants to do the same. You can quickly lose control of a car if you are not buckled up and slip out of your seat. An unbuckled passenger can cause you to lose control just the same.

2. Use Winter Tires

Most cars are equipped with all-season tires, but when it comes to winter driving the grip may not be sufficient. Ideally, you’ll replace all four tires with winter (snow) tires to ensure even performance and a better grip all around.

3. Turn Off the Cruise Control

Cruise control saves gasoline, but should only be used on dry surfaces. When used where ice and snow are present, it can cause you to lose control of your car.

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

You’ll be using your windshield wipers frequently during the winter even on clear days. Slush, mud and spray back from other vehicles will pepper your windshield, so you need good working wipers to handle the job. You should also fill the washer reservoir with anti-icing fluid.

5. Check All Exterior Lights

You may be able to see everyone, but can they see you? Head lamps, fog lights, LED lights, turn signal lights and tail lamps should be in good working order. They should also be free of ice and snow build up. Wipe down lenses with a dry rag before taking to the road. Keep a rag and a solution of anti-freeze window cleaner handy as you travel.

6. Get a Handle on Your Steering

Slippery road conditions may cause your front tires to lose grip and you may be tempted to compensate by continuing to turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. Instead, gently press down on the brake while holding the steering wheel steady. Once you regain control of the car, redirect the steering wheel to the direction that you want to go.

7. Black Ice is Transparent and Extremely Dangerous Too

Unseen to most drivers is ice that is transparent, what lies over the road surfaces, hence the name “black ice.” Black ice can appear without warning and may show up long after the snow has melted, residual moisture that quickly freezes when surface temperatures drop. Winter tires and chains can help slow your car, but you may not be able to stop it without hitting a curb or a stationary object. Always allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Handle turns and twisty roads with extreme care.

Winter Driving: Avoid Black Ice

With adequate preparation you can drive your car all winter long. Allow plenty of distance between vehicles and be mindful that black ice is an unseen hazard that can linger long after the snow has melted.


Further Reading

Higher Education: Winter Driving School

Winter Driving School the Michelin and Tire Rack Way

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: black ice, CRUISE CONTROL, HANDLING, LIGHTS, snow tires, STEERING, windshield wipers, WINTER DRIVING, winter tires

How to Prepare Your Car For Winter

October 7, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

winter road
Is your car ready for the (winter) road ahead?

Winter’s icy grip can put its “hurt” on your car. Just like in summer, extreme temperatures can make your engine work harder and increase the chances that your car will fall prone to extreme weather conditions. The time to prepare your car for winter is before colder temperatures move in. Here’s what you can do to prepare your vehicle for any wintry wallop.

1. Flush the radiator. Topping off the radiator for winter may not be enough. If you haven’t had the radiator flushed in two or more years, then have that done as soon as possible. You should know that there is some controversy whether flushing is necessary or not as evidenced by this Car Talk question. Consult your owners manual for the definitive answer.

2. Inspect the battery. If your car’s battery dies, you could be left stranded. Check the battery’s connections and clean off the terminal. If it is at least three years old, you may need to replace it. Cold weather can kill a weak battery.

3. Check tire tread and consider winter tires. Rotating your tires twice per year is wise. When rotating, determine if there is sufficient tread left. If not, replace your tires. All-season tires are fine for areas where snowfall is not a concern. For everywhere else, replacing your tires with winter tires can give you the extra grip you need. Use four winter tires, not two — you’ll enjoy all-around better grip and handling with the same type of tire across all four wheels.

4. Inspect the brake system. If your brakes don’t work properly, you won’t be able to stop your car. This is where a certified mechanic should come in, to perform a complete brake inspection. Your mechanic will check everything from the brake pedal to the lines and hoses, as well as the brake fluid and assemblies.

5. Examine the exhaust system. While you are with your mechanic, ask him to check your exhaust system too. Your exhaust system controls your vehicle’s emissions and should be checked periodically for leaks and other problems. A leaky exhaust can flood your cabin with deadly carbon monoxide. A clogged system can cause a loss of power and a reduction in fuel economy. Your mechanic will check a variety of parts to include: the catalytic converter, mounting components, gaskets, the muffler and pipes.

6. Inspect all lights. Lights are a safety issue and every light on your car should be functioning as intended. You can perform a visual inspection with the assistance of another person to ensure that the headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, tail lights and other lights are working. If a light is burned out, check the fuse box first — it is far easier to replace a blown fuse than it is to replace a light bulb.

7. Run the heater. You’ve been operating the climate control system throughout the summer and enjoying a consistent delivery of cool air. Now put on the heater to ensure that warm air comes out. You should check the defrosters too. If the heat is not working properly the coolant level may be low or the heater core may not be working. A bad water pump or a failed thermostat are other problems that can keep your car from getting warm. See your mechanic to have him troubleshoot your heating system.

Winter Care

It is also important that you have your oil and oil filter changed on a regular basis, certainly before winter sets in. If your car is due for a new air filter or spark plugs, get this work done too. A new set of wiper blades should be installed as well.

If your winter driving takes you far from home, an emergency car kit is essential. You’ll want to include a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, boots, water, gloves and snacks. Road flares, an ice scraper and jumper cables are also essential for winter travel.

Related Reading

How to Drive in Winter

7 Winter Storage Tips For Classic Cars

What You Need to Know About Winter Driving

“Susquehanna Winter Drive” by likeaduck is licensed under CC BY 2.0


See Also — What You Must Know About Catalytic Converters

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: brakes, car battery, CAR TALK, HEATER CORE, LIGHTS, THERMOSTAT, TIRE TREAD, WINTER DRIVING

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recent Comments

  • Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What? — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in