Prepare for Winter Driving with Tips from the Bridgestone Winter Driving School

         1. Check windshield wiper blades to make sure they work properly. In some areas, snow blades are an effective alternative to conventional wiper blades.
         2. Have your mechanic test the anti-freeze/coolant to provide the correct level of protection required in your driving area.
         3. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflation can reduce the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do. Overinflation has the same effect.
         4. If you live in areas where snow and ice are certainties of winter driving, don't depend on all-season tires. Instead, install winter tires. Winter tires are made of softer components and have a unique tread design that provides better traction and road-gripping abilities.
         5. Keep your gas tank at least half-full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system. It also adds helpful weight to your vehicle.
         6. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, extra weight in the trunk or truck bed may be helpful. Use care – unsecured weight can shift while you are moving or if you have to stop suddenly. Bags of sand can provide weight and, if sprinkled on the ice, sand helps provide traction.
         7. Before you leave your driveway, scrape the ice and snow from every window and the exterior rear view mirrors, not just a small patch on the windshield. Don't forget to remove snow from headlights and brake lights.
          8. Try to remove ice and snow from your shoes before getting in your vehicle. As snow and ice melt, they create moisture build-up, causing windows to fog on the inside. You can reduce this fogging by turning the air recirculation switch to the off position. This brings in drier, fresh air. You can also run your air conditioner, which serves as a dehumidifier, for a few minutes.
         9. You and your passengers should all use safety belts, both lap and shoulder straps. Pull them snug to ensure they work properly.
        10. Adjust head rests. Rear-end collisions are common in winter driving and a properly adjusted head rest can prevent or reduce neck injuries.
        11. Before you shift into gear, plan the best route to your destination. If possible, avoid hills, high congestion areas and bridges.
        12. Although your radio can provide helpful traffic information, it can also be a distraction. Since driving is more a mental skill than a physical skill, you may want to keep it turned off.
        13. Don't use a cellular phone when driving on ice or snow. Even if you have a hands-free model, you need to concentrate on driving, not on a telephone conversation.
        14. Drive slowly and remember that posted speed limits identify the maximum speed allowed when weather conditions are ideal. Law enforcement agencies can write citations to motorists driving the posted speed limit if weather conditions warrant a slower speed.
        15. Be more alert to the actions of other drivers. Anticipate cars coming from side streets and put extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If someone is too close behind you, don't speed up; slow down or let them go around you.
        16. To make sure other drivers see you, always drive with your lights on. At night, in fog and heavy snow conditions, low beams may be more effective than high beams.
        17. Keep a light touch on the brakes. Even with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), apply light pressure to avoid locking the brakes and causing a skid. Pumping the brake pedal should be smooth action, going from light to firm in a gradual move. "Tip toe to slow" is a good motto for winter driving.
        18. Keep both hands on the wheel and keep the wheel pointed where you want your car to go. While it may sound overly simple, this could help you in a skid.
        19. While manual transmissions may provide greater control to assist with braking, be careful when using downshifting as a way to slow the vehicle. Gear changes, particularly abrupt ones, can upset a vehicle's balance and cause a skid to occur, especially in turns.
        20. Keep your vehicle stocked with simple emergency equipment in case you do get stalled or have an accident. Consider keeping these items in your vehicle:
                * Blanket or extra clothes
                * Candle with matches
                * Snacks and beverages (never alcohol)
                * Flares
                * CB radio or cellular phone
                * Small shovel
                * Flashlight
                * Windshield scraping device
                * Tow rope
                * Bag of sand or cat litter (for traction)
                * Long jumper cables
                * If you do have trouble, run the engine only briefly to run the heater, not continuously. Carbon monoxide can accumulate more easily in a non-moving vehicle.
                * Severe engine damage may also occur if the motor runs for long periods when the vehicle is not in motion. Warming up a car prior to travel is a common practice, but most engines really don't need more than a minute at most to circulate oil to all internal parts. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for information about your engine.

Thanks for the great safety tips, Mark! When cold weather conditions affect the roads, this advice will help AskPatty readers plan for safer winter travel.