Transportation Safety: Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Winter driving can lead to hazardous road conditions, and it is vital to make sure your vehicle is adequately maintained for these conditions. To prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season follow these safety tips:

• Winter months are tough on batteries, so check your battery to make sure it is in good condition and is fully charged. It takes more battery power to start your vehicle in cold weather.
• Make sure tires have adequate tread depth (greater than 1/8 inch) and there are no visible signs of deterioration. Check tire pressure in cold weather to ensure they are properly inflated. Don’t forget to check the spare tire too.
• Make sure lights are in good working condition. This would include headlights, taillights and hazard warning lights.
• Have your brakes checked and serviced if necessary.
• Check the exhaust system to make sure there are no leaks which could allow carbon monoxide (deadly gas) to accumulate inside the vehicle.
• Make sure your wiper blades are working properly. Wiper blades can deteriorate; not being able to see in cold weather conditions is extremely dangerous. Keep the windshield washer reservoir filled.
• Check the radiator and hoses to make sure they are in good condition and free of leaks. The coolant should be 35 degrees below zero.
• The vehicles heater and defroster (both front and rear) should be in good working condition.
• Maintain the vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times.
• Have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. For additional information, please view the Vehicle Safety and Survival Kit fact sheet.
• Monitor weather reports when planning trips. If weather and road conditions are hazardous, delay the trip if possible.

By preparing your vehicle now, you are ensuring that your vehicle is in top operating condition for these upcoming winter months.