Winter Driving Reminders

As we approach February you may start to get excited thinking our winter days are behind us, but they are still happening. We do not officially meet spring until late March, meaning we have many more winter days ahead of us. This means we will have winter road conditions as well for a few more weeks. Winter road conditions are some of the most dangerous driving conditions, which is why winter has some of the highest records of accidents and fatalities on the road. In order to stay as safe as you can on the road this winter, here are some driving reminders to keep in mind when you are on the road or about to head out on the road.

Remember Tire Pressure Changes in the Cold

As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. If your tire pressure light comes on, do not immediately panic that you have a flat tire, you likely just naturally lost pressure due to the cold. As soon as you are able to find a tire pressure air compressor at a local gas station, tire shop, or auto center and fill your tires back up to the recommended level for your tires. Additionally, inspect your tires monthly. Look for any signs of damage such as cuts, bulges, scrapes, etc. While you inspect your tires, be sure to check the tread as well. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater for your tires.

Be Aware of Winter Clothing in Car Seats

If you are a parent or someone who has children in car seats riding in your car, be sure to remember that bulky winter clothes affect how properly a car seat fits a child. If the child is wearing winter clothing that is puffy or has many layers that creates a bulkiness around the child, be sure to remove the clothing when the child is in the car. You want the child to only have tighter fitting clothing on in a car seat in order to create a snug fit of the harness.

Check Your Floor Mats’ Quality

With snow and slush still being common, during the winter months it is beneficial to change your floor mats to be ones with a thicker, rubbery material. This will reduce the risk of issues regarding the use of brake pedals and the accelerator. If you do change them, be sure to use the correct size of mats for your vehicle and install them properly.

Check Road Conditions Before You Leave

If it has recently snowed or rained, be sure to check road conditions for the route you will be taking before heading out on the road. Even if you are just going to the grocery store, snow and rain could increase the risk of black ice on the road, making for very dangerous conditions. Additionally, some roads may even be closed due to the weather. It is important in winter to always stay up to date on weather and road conditions!