Winter Driving
It is all about survival nowadays, or so it seems. With winter on it's merry way, and with the weather across the globe turning for the worse, there is no better time to make sure that you and your loved ones have a safe and solid vehicle for the winter months that lie ahead. Following along with top ten articles (in no particular order), here are the must have/must do's to prepare for the snowy season!
10. A "tube" of sand in the trunk- Utilizing this methods works twofold. One, it allows extra weight in your vehicle supporting traction on the slick roads that lie ahead. Two, if you happen to get stuck, whether we are talking about a parking space that is icy or from sliding into the ditch, you can open the tube of sand (found at any hardware store or big box retail) and spread on the ground in front and back of your tires for added traction (it does really work....).
9. Make sure the fluids are full- This is more of a broad range of overall car maintenance. Oil change, transmission fluid check, power steering fluid, you name it, get it checked. Nowadays, when you have an oil change at a reputable location, they have to check all fluids, and if any are low, they will mention it to you. (If they don't, ask. Here's another tip- they should be checking the air filters for both your engine and "cabin" if you own a newer vehicle. If they need replacing, do not hesitate. Especially the in cab filter, it will make a huge difference in how your heating system works).
8. Ice scraper/brush- This one is without a doubt a necessity. It will help you with snow removal (don't forget to brush off your hood, headlights, taillights, and blinkers..) and scraping the ice off your windows. A hint about window wipers is buy one of the little lemons (yup, the ones that look like a lemon) and after cleaning the snow off, use this on your wipers. It won't break down the plastic, but it does wonders on the ice, and it seems to keep ice from forming again!)
7. HotHands- These are the hand warmers that you would find in the hunting section of your local big box store. If you haven't heard of these, you are missing out. For less than two dollars, they are worth tenfold when you are stuck in the snow somewhere or changing your flat tire. There is nothing like having your fingers freeze when you are rummaging through the snow to find that missing lug nut that you dropped because you couldn't feel your fingertips.
6. Extra Gloves/Coat/Blankets- 'Nuff said.
5. Extra cellular battery/Car Charger- If you don't have an extra battery, there is a new line of electronics out there that works with most phones that gives you a few minutes of battery time, they are running 20-25 dollars in the battery kiosk at your local store. For those that have newer vehicles, you might want to invest with your OnStar programming over the winter (if you weren't told if you have OnStar on your vehicle, check your rear-view mirror. If it has a few buttons on it, push them and turn on and turn up your radio, you will have a salesperson right away). You pay insurance on your car, why not have that 15 dollar a month security in case you have no bars on your phone? OnStar works everywhere, even if there is no signal on your phone.
4. Know your spare tire location (and how to change)/Fix A Flat- This will cause some debate. If you happen to know someone in the tire industry, they won't have good words to say about the use of Fix A Flat (it is basically a foam that bonds from the inside of your tire to the the rim, allowing you to get somewhere to fix your flat tire). this product works for nail-holes or small damage to tires, and at times will save you from having to change your tire in a not so great location and gives you drive-ability to find somewhere safe to change your tire.
3. Road Hazard Kit- You can find these most everywhere when the winter season nears. The main part you can use is the flares that come with the kit. If you do happen to be stranded, these are instant alerts to any law enforcement or transportation vehicles to stop to assist the emergency. Do not be scared of these, but handle with care. They can burn you, just use the "striker" and aim away from your body to start the flare.
2. Battery Jumper- These can be purchased for 20-50 dollars. Cold weather reeks havoc on your battery system. Also, draining your battery happens much faster when the cells are cold versus when warm (not scientific that I am aware of, but just from experience). These jumpers handle enough charge in them to get your vehicle started in even the coldest of weather.
And now for the finale....the most important and the most safe......if the weather is horrible, first, boil some water. Get yourself a coffee cup. Pour the water about 1 inch from the top. Go to the cupboard.......get the hot cocoa and stay in! Have a safe and happy winter everyone!
