Driving Safely Through the Holidays!

As you hit the road for the holiday season in the good ole Northeast, the roads can get treacherous, so it’s important you not only adjust your driving habits for winter driving, but also make sure your vehicle is up for the ride! Prepare, prevent and plan for your trip, to help save money and avoid costly breakdowns.

Prepare by conducting a pre-trip inspection:

• Check the wipers and all lighting, so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades. Clear the sensor for your backup camera, if you have one.

• Check the tires, including pressure and tread. Properly inflated tires can greatly improve both your vehicle’s traction and handling. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment and tires should also be checked for any bulges and bald spots.

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids, as well as windshield washer fluid and coolant.

• Check your battery and change it if needed, before the cold weather.

• Check your heater/defroster. Proper working condition will ensure both comfort and visibility in the winter months.

• Always keep your gas tank at least ½ full. Not only will condensation in your tank be less likely, but if you’re in an accident or even just caught in a traffic jam because of the snow, you won’t run out of gas.

• Carry an extreme weather kit in your trunk in case of an emergency. Items should include all or most of these: jumper cables or an all-weather power source to jumpstart your vehicle, an extra bottle of windshield washer fluid, a good snow brush, a good ice scraper, a first aid kit, a blanket, high-protein, non-perishable food items such as protein bars or nuts, bottles of water, a small shovel, a tire gripping mat, extra gloves, hand warmers, a hat, a safety flare or reflective triangle, and a flashlight.

Prevent a winter trip mishap by remembering these simple winter driving tips:

• Remove all snow from your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights, signal lights, rear camera, side mirrors and roof completely BEFORE taking off.

• Test the road conditions before you head out and drive at a speed that matches the visibility, traffic and road conditions. Keep in mind that other drivers’ vehicles may not have the same safety features that you have.

• Stay in control of your vehicle by avoiding fast starts, sharp turns or sudden braking on slippery or snowcovered roads. Brake early, slowly and never slam on the brakes. Watch the temperature. Once it hits freezing, the precipitation on the roads will freeze up too.

• Maintain a good following distance and allow enough room, in case another vehicle has a problem.

• Anticipate difficult situations and drive defensively.

• Drive with your lights on whenever visibility is less than clear, even during the day. Not only will you see better, but others will see you better! Do not wash your car if it’s below freezing, as this may interfere with locks and other features. (But take advantage of temps a bit higher to clear salt and sludge off with a wash, including the undercarriage.)

Lastly, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of extra time to drive during bad weather. Be sure to plan out your driving route and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Having an additional back up charging pack for a trip is also a good idea.

Have fun when getting out there during the holiday season, but be sure to do it safely, especially during the winter months!